Indexes/AbstractsReady Reference

Dr. Dania Bilal

IS 530

Spring 2002

Abstracting/Indexing

• Abstracting: summary of content that should be used as a document surrogate.

• Indexing: assignment of terms from a thesaurus or a list of controlled vocabulary.

Evaluation Criteria

• Format

• Scope

• Authority

• Accuracy

• Arrangement

• Special features

Format

• Electronic– Web-based, CD-ROM, other online interfaces.

• Online is generally preferred for indexes. Criteria:

• Search and retrieval interfaces (design, suitability for intended audience, etc.)

• Browsing features; searching features; retrieval features

Format

• Print– Interface– search features (access points)– readability– portability

Scope & Coverage

• Time coverage

• Frequency of updates

• Document types included

• Subjects covered and depth of coverage

Authority

• Reputation – Publisher– Indexer

• Quality of literature indexed & timeliness

Accuracy

• Completeness of selection policies for the literature indexed

• Quality of the descriptive information

• Quality of indexing and abstracting (e.g., logical/intellectual; free of typographical and grammatical errors)

Arrangement

• Alphabetical by topic (print) - novices

• Subject classification (print) - experts

• Options for searching and output formats (electronic)

Special Features

• Thesaurus or list of subject headings

• List of sources indexed

• List of abbreviations used

• Instructions on how to use index

• Online ordering of full text or a link to it

• Help file

Needs of Users

• Is subject coverage sufficient for intended users?

• Is the subject coverage too simple or too sophisticated for intended users?

• Adequacy of format vis-à-vis users

Search Strategies: Print

• Read instructions

• Know the features provided

• Test a few searches

• Understand the structure of citations provided

Search Strategies: Electronic

• Familiarize yourself with the search features provided, search and retrieval interfaces, help files, bluesheets for specific databases, as applicable, etc.

• Construct initial and alternative strategies using free text and/or controlled vocabulary

Search Strategies: Electronic

• Select appropriate database(s)

• Execute search

• View intermediate results

• Refine search as needed

• Finalize/complete search

Ready Reference

• Directories - Evaluation– Authority– Scope and comprehensiveness– Accuracy– Currency– Format/arrangement vis-à-vis intended

audience

Search Strategies: Directories/Numeric Sources

• Use print version for one-dimensional queries (e.g., a phone number, address)

• Use electronic version for multi-dimensional queries (e.g., queries that require some research)

Search Strategies: Directories/Numeric Sources

• Plan your strategy in advance (same as you do when you use other databases)

• Look up the specific codes/fields that can be used (e.g., zip code, SIC code)

• Make sure you use the correct source for the specific query. Timeliness is essential.