INFO 4203 Section 001 – Information Indexing and Organization (Fall 2023 1)

Purpose

This exercise is intended to give you procedures and hands-on experience in evaluating indexing and abstracting services. As you know, there are thousands of these out there. Many are established and well-known services, but many are not and you need to know what to look for when considering purchasing and/or using indexes and abstracts.

Procedures

1. Identify and evaluate one indexing or abstracting services or Databases (Examples: PAIS, Sociological Abstract, etc.).
   – (Please note that some of the online indexing and abstracting sources are now only available through EBSCO, ProQuest, etc.)- You may use either online or local print editions of indexes or abstracts, whichever is easier for you. Print editions usually give you more background information.
2. NOTE: Not all of the information needed can be found in the publication itself. You will have to do background “reference” work to find all of the information. Use your library and search the Web.
3. Use the attached Checklist Download Checklist of items to be addressed in your evaluation.

Items to be Submitted

1. One index or abstract evaluation

Important note: please address each point, one by one, following the format in the evaluation form (Checklist for Evaluating Indexing and Abstracting Sources Download Checklist for Evaluating Indexing and Abstracting Sources) item by item. DO NOT write a continuous, combined narrative. Also, N/A is not an acceptable answer. If you feel that the question cannot be answered, give me a valid justification.

Due Date

November 6, 2023