Preface

A preface is the section of a book, report, or another document that precedes its content and is written by the content creator. In reports, the preface is a conditional part of front matter; the preface is included when background and context is needed. When the preface is included, it functions as a part of report's descriptive metadata.

Description

The ANSI/NISO Scientific and Technical Reports standard details,

A preface is a conditional introductory statement that announces the purpose and scope of the report and acknowledges the contributions of individuals not identified as authors/creators or editors. Sometimes a preface specifies the audience for which a report is intended; it may also highlight the relationship of the report to a specific project or program. Material that is necessary for understanding the report belongs in the introduction not the preface.

A preface is usually written by the author/creator, editor, or other party responsible for the report. The name and affiliation do not appear at the end of the preface unless there might be doubt about its authorship. The preface follows the lists of figures and tables and optional foreword and begins a separate section titled "Preface."