AbstractThis brief article describes the content of the January 2002 issue of MRS Bulletin focusing on Mechanical Properties in Small Dimensions. Articles discuss the current understanding ofstressevolution during thin-film growth, elastic and anelastic behavior, dislocation-mediated plasticity, creep deformation, and fracture. Emphasis is placed on explaining the mechanisms that underlie thewell-known fact that length scale can play a significant role in mechanical behavior.