THE SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL EDITOR IN THE DIGITAL AGE: Competencies of the Information Professional

Abstract

This theoretical essay aims to analyze the competencies of information professionals in the role of scientific journal editors in the digital era. The study is based on a conceptual and literature-based approach within Information Science, focusing on scholarly communication, editorial practices, and professional competencies. It is grounded on the understanding that scientific journals operate within sociotechnical systems mediated by digital platforms that reshape submission, peer review, and publication workflows. The results indicate that the role of scientific editors has expanded to include informational, technical, and managerial functions, such as editorial data organization, management of editorial systems, and compliance with international standards. The analysis also highlights the increasing demand for multidimensional competencies involving scientific, social, emotional, and technological dimensions, as well as the growing incorporation of digital tools to support editorial processes. It is concluded that contemporary editorial practice requires continuous professional development and the integration of informational and digital competencies, while maintaining the central role of human judgment in scientific validation processes. Conference abstract for the proceedings of TOI2026 — XII Congresso Internacional em Tecnologia e Organização da Informação. ISSN 2965-4130.