Guest editorial

摘要

COVID-19 took us by surprise a year ago and since it has been submitting humanity through many tests, in all productive areas. In libraries, education and technology, which conform the focus of Digital Library Perspectives, we might argue that although we had developed and implemented many technological and online solutions, we were not prepared to face the trial of such long worldwide lockdowns, as it involved suddenly switching all our activities into online mode. At first this so-called "new normal" seemed to involve reopening productive areas, but now, starting 2021, many countries are facing the second wave of the virus, while others, such as Latin American countries, appear to keep struggling with a continuous first wave that has not receded in the least. COVID-19 found us ill prepared to face it and we had to respond as best as we could when lockdowns were enforced. It seems that we will have to continue our activities in online mode for a while. During the pandemic, there have been interesting dynamics regarding libraries, learning and research. Thematic hubs on COVID-19 have been established by most of the largest publishers, with relatively easy access to research related to the virus, this is also evident in the largest open access and open data repositories; while other portals with support materials for e-learning have also been set. The importance of preprints and repositories has also increased, and there has been an explosion of scientific dissemination, tutorials and webinars freely available for students and professionals.