abstracting and indexing
phrasePronunciation: /ˈæbstræktɪŋ ænd ˈɪndeksɪŋ/
Also written as: A&I
The process of creating searchable summaries and systematic cataloging of scholarly publications for inclusion in academic databases.
Full Definition
Abstracting and indexing is a comprehensive service that involves creating concise summaries (abstracts) of scholarly articles and systematically cataloging them with relevant metadata for inclusion in academic databases and search systems. This process enhances discoverability by organizing publications according to subject classifications, keywords, and bibliographic information. Major A&I services like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science employ subject specialists to ensure accurate representation of research content. The quality and coverage of A&I services directly impact a journal's visibility and citation potential within the scholarly community.
Plain English
The service that creates short summaries of research articles and organizes them in databases so researchers can easily find and access relevant studies.
In Editorial Context
A critical post-publication process that determines journal visibility through database inclusion, requiring editors to maintain relationships with A&I services and ensure content meets indexing standards.
Etymology & History
Developed as scholarly publishing expanded and researchers needed systematic ways to locate relevant literature across growing volumes of publications.
Originally manual processes using printed abstracts and card catalogs, now predominantly digital and automated systems.
Usage
"The journal's application for abstracting and indexing in Scopus was approved, significantly increasing its international visibility."
Usage note: Often abbreviated as A&I in professional contexts; critical for journal impact assessment.
Context: journal evaluation, database inclusion, scholarly communication
Region: international
Also known as
Contrasted with
Don't confuse with
Sometimes confused with citation analysis, but A&I focuses on content discovery rather than citation tracking.