This very first issue of Nordic Journal of Library and Information Studies is launched in a moment overwhelmed with information, misinformation and disinformation. Which experts who forecast the future of the Covid-19 pandemic can we trust and what makes this information trustworthy?

Under normal circumstances people may visit the library to find some answers. In Sweden, most public libraries are still open and people come there to relax or to find some normality in these times of turbulence, even though they keep distance and abide regulations. However, in our neighbouring countries and other parts of the world, libraries are closed due to the disease.

Obviously, the launching of a new journal for library and information studies in the middle of the pandemic crises is a coincidence. Yet, the societal relevance of the journal could hardly be more striking.

However, the first issue do not analyse the pandemic crises. Research takes time, and research of high quality demands time. Therefore, the crisis is a theme for an upcoming issue, but not for this one. Instead we offer two exciting articles, analysing the past and pointing towards the future. This is the beginning of an exciting future with a journal that inspires, analyses, criticises and discuss questions of relevance to library and information studies.