There is an increasing number of dictionary types and lexical search-tools designed to respond to an ever-growing array of user needs. The quest for innovation, however, is not over and this is what this book shall shed light on. In the autumn of 2013, a conference entitled Planning non-existent dictionaries was held at the University of Lisbon. Scholars and lexicographers were invited to present and submit for discussion their research and practices, focusing on aspects that are traditionally perceived as shortcomings by dictionary makers and dictionary users. The topics for debate were intended to be provocative: the identification of dictionary types that have never been developed for certain languages or for a given lexical domain, as well as typological and linguistic problems that may compromise the development of lexicographic projects. We hoped that the discussion would lead to the presentation of problem-solving strategies, especially those related to corpora documentation, information technology and data presentation. We received an incredible response and have had the opportunity to acknowledge several projects that are different in size, novelty and degree of accomplishment.

The basis for this additional volume are the three volumes of the handbooks Dictionaries. An International Encyclopedia of Lexicography (HSK 5.1–5.3), published between 1989 and 1991. An updating has been perceived as an important desideratum for a considerable time. In the present Supplementary Volume the premises and subjects of HSK 5.1–5.3 are complemented by new articles that take account of the practice-internal and theoretical developments of the last 15 years. Special attention has been given to the following topics: the status and function of lexicographic reference works, the history of lexicography, the theory of lexicography, lexicographic processes, lexicographic training and lexicographic institutions, new metalexicographic methods, electronic and, especially, computer-assisted lexicography.

Lexicographica. Series Maior features monographs and edited volumes on the topics of lexicography and meta-lexicography. Works from the broader domain of lexicology are also included, provided they strengthen the theoretical, methodological and empirical basis of lexicography and meta-lexicography. The almost 150 books published in the series since its founding in 1984 clearly reflect the main themes and developments of the field. The publications focus on aspects of lexicography such as micro- and macrostructure, typology, history of the discipline, and application-oriented lexicographical documentation.