The Magnetic Interfaces and Nanostructures (MIN or MI) Division of AVS evolved from the topical conferences on "Magnetic Surfaces, Interfaces and Nanostructures" at the 1995 and 1996 AVS International Symposia. The division was created to organize focussed sessions at AVS Symposia that reflect the interests of a growing research community in magnetic properties at interfaces and in confined geometries. A portion of this interest stems from the use of magnetic materials in electronic devices and information technology. Magnetic multilayer materials and the property of "giant magnetoresistance" (GMR) have already played a major role in magnetic recording technology, and other innovations that have been revealed in MIN technical sessions promise to have as much impact. At the core of the MIN philosophy, however, is a desire to understand the basic physics/chemistry of magnetic materials and the drastic changes that can occur when their dimensions are reduced.