Li, Be, B and Cosmic Rays in the Galaxy

Abstract

A short overview is presented of current issues concerning the production and evolution of Li, Be and B in the Milky Way. It is argued that the currently popular idea that Galactic cosmic rays are accelerated inside metal-rich superbubbles (which leads ``naturally'' to the production of primary Be and B, as observed) encounters the same problems as the previously popular idea of supernovae accelerating their own ejecta. A major challenge to theories of light element production is presented by the recent (and still preliminary) data suggesting a surprisingly high and $\sim$constant abundance of $^6$Li in halo stars; attempts to explain such a ``plateau'' are critically examined.