Over the centuries, first Latin and then French, German, and Russian have receded in perceived importance as languages of science. Other powerful languages with extensive internal scientific discourse, such as Japanese and Chinese, have always been largely excluded. The dominance of English has elevated the reputation of English-language…

Purpose: This paper seeks to show the limitations of citation analysis to measure the quality of scientific contributions, also exploring the consequences of the assessment of research performance for educational institutions. Design/methodology/approach: The study reviews the literature about citation and assessment of the research endeavour to…

Argues that online indexing has great potential as a tool for information retrieval, and can be most effective when approached as a combination of traditional indexing and computer search capabilities. Argues that a good online index is specifically designed to be searched. Offers an overview of how to design such an online index. (SR)

Cost and timeliness are shown to be reasons for the creation of visual indexing: finding graphic images by reviewing them visually rather than by reference to their verbal identification. (Author)

Describes procedures followed in the use of a microcomputer to develop an index to a collection of vocal sheet music at the Music Library of the University of Colorado. Indexes generated using four fields--title, composer's last name, lyricist's last name, and first line--are noted. (EJS)

Discusses the results of a survey of 255 librarians and college professors that was conducted to determine their preferences regarding three back-of-the-book index features: word-by-word versus letter-by-letter alphabetizing; line-by-line versus run-on subheading arrangement; and see references versus duplicate entries. (Contains 25 references.)…

This paper reviews indexing theory and suggests that information retrieval can be significantly improved by applying basic indexing criteria. Indexing practices are described, including the three main types of indexes: pre-coordinate, post-coordinate, and variants of both. Design features of indexes are summarized, including accuracy, consistency,…

Investigates the impact of the omission of scholarly communication journals from Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI) on citation-based appraisals of communication literature. Argues that accurate citation analysis will not be possible until SSCI and AHCI include omitted journals; and that an…

Identifies and discusses some reasons why using periodical index subject categories as indicators can produce misleading results. Discusses methodological difficulties arising from historical and idiosyncratic changes in index subject category headings and subheadings. Argues that researchers using an index's subject categories should test not…

Discusses the concept of a digital library and the utility of space/time referencing. Describes the unified space/time/keyword/format search and retrieval and indexing system of the ISLA (Information System for Los Angeles) at the University of Southern California. Focuses on the practical application of space/time referencing and methods of…

Examined how Omani college students studying English for Academic Purposes used concordance and database software to create their own dictionaries of words to learn. A control group used a word list and dictionary. The experimental method combined the benefits of list coverage with some of the benefits of lexical acquisition through natural…

Discussion of the adequacy of indexing for interdisciplinary areas focuses on women's studies. A study that examined access to women's studies journals through standard indexes and abstracts is described, and results are reported which indicate that most journals are not sufficiently indexed and that there is a need for an online index. (six…

Designed to be a foundation work, this book about information storage and retrieval includes discussions of theory as well as descriptions of practice. It is intended for: (1) students at both the graduate and non-graduate level who are beginning formal studies of librarianship/information science; (2) staff of library/information units who have…

Presented at a symposium instigated to improve the accessibility and usefulness of educational technology, the five invited papers presented in this proceedings deal with various aspects of information systems and their relationship to each other. Topics covered were "Educational Technologists as Consumers of Educational Information", "Information…

Assembled to aid educators and administrators in Scotland in selecting and applying appropriate information retrieval systems in learning resources centers, this collection contains an introductory essay and four articles on the characteristics and features of some basic information retrieval systems. The articles include (1) a discussion of the…