  The chapter tackles the role of scholarly publication in the research process
(quality, preservation) and looks at the consequences of new information
technologies in the organization of the scholarly communication ecology. It
will then show how new technologies have had an impact on the scholarly
communication process and made it depart from the traditional publishing
environment. Developments will address new editorial processes, dissemination
of new content and services, as well as the development of publication
archives. This last aspect will be covered on all levels (open access,
scientific, technical and legal aspects). A view on the possible evolutions of
the scientific publishing environment will be provided.
