In the light to develop and strengthen new forms of collaboration both within librarians and information scientists and with professionals in other areas, a recent experience related to a new approach to the editorial world will be pointed out. Editors, in fact, are not just considered from the traditional librarian point of view as counterparts in the acquisition process of library material (both in print and electronic), but will be regarded as professionals whose editorial competence may be useful also to librarians and information specialists involved in publication activities at different levels.
In 2003, librarians and in particular some EAHIL members, played an active role in the International Conference of the European Association of Science Editors (EASE), thus exploring new possibilities of professional growth. Following this experience, the idea was developed to organize a training course in editorial matters for EAHIL members, following also similar positive experiences promoted by the Italian Library Association (AIB). The knowledge of the basic editorial principles, in fact, is part of the background of professional librarians who take part in the national and international debate and therefore produce publications, reports or leaflets, etc. The direct knowledge of the main challenges that editors are facing in the ever changing environment of their online publications will also contribute to a reciprocal better understanding of each other requirements and expectations.
The preferred information channels used by librarians and information specialists to spread professional information and activities will be explored.
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