Indexing and Abstracting in Theory and Practice (2nd ed.)

Citation

Wade, J. (1999), "Indexing and Abstracting in Theory and Practice (2nd ed.)", Library Management, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 85-87. https://doi.org/10.1108/lm.1999.20.4.85.3

This is the second edition of Indexing and Abstracting in Theory and Practice that was first published in 1991. Since then, a number of significant developments have taken place that have prompted the author, F.W. Lancaster, to produce a revised edition. In the preface to the second edition, Lancaster points out that the information field has grown more complex as researchers from a wide range of disciplines have become involved in content analysis activities that were formerly of concern mostly to people in library and information science”. When the first edition was published the author had neither the benefit, nor the handicap, of knowledge of the Internet. Its impact in the 1990s has since been a cause of concern for libraries who see their role as information providers under threat as people are able to access information directly via the Internet. New sections on the indexing of imaginative works, the indexing of images and the problems posed by hypertext have been incorporated into the text to allow for these changes.

This book is divided into two main parts. Part one, which focuses on the theory, principles and applications of indexing and abstracting, comprises the main body of the text, introducing the role of indexing and abstracting activities, their purpose in relation to information retrieval, and their application within a database. Part two consists of practical exercises in indexing and abstracting. The logic begins by looking at the traditional aspects of indexing and abstracting before exploring the more recent developments.

The author distinguishes between the consistency and quality of indexing and identifies these as factors that affect the performance of searching. Various indexing policies and aspects of recall and precision that are of particular concern to indexers are also explored. The different types and uses of abstracts are introduced and some useful guidelines are offered for writing them. While the earlier chapters have not been altered much since the first edition, the later chapters only serve an introductory purpose. This is a pity as these sections offer some valuable information that is worthy of greater attention. Lancaster indicates that although some of the chapters “deserve book‐length treatment in themselves”, it would not be appropriate for this context.

In chapters 12 and 13, issues surrounding traditional forms of indexing and abstracting are considered in relation to the indexing of imaginative works (fiction/feature films) and multimedia sources (images/sounds). These sections are interesting in that they look at areas that have, until recently, been neglected. They highlight a number of problems to be discussed and theories to be drawn on.

The remaining chapters of part one are concerned with information retrieval using computers. The searching of text by computer is introduced, looking at various types of retrieval systems and vocabulary used. A longer chapter then deals with the application of indexing and abstracting in an automated environment.

While some attention is paid to indexing on the Internet, looking at different software tools and their search capabilities, the author emphasises the problems of quantity and quality of information offered and the lack of control over it. This interesting, though negative portrayal of the Internet, leads to a final chapter looking at the future of indexing and abstracting that is highly relevant to libraries today. It is contended that in order to survive libraries have a new role to play, filtering out information from the most relevant sources and making it accessible to different levels of users.

Part two contains exercises in indexing and abstracting for the reader that are heavily American in origin. The author′s own fully justified results are useful, and even if the exercises are not attempted, it is worth looking at this chapter to see how indexing and abstracting may be approached.

Indexing and Abstracting is primarily aimed as a text for teaching the subject; it is also intended for anyone with an interest in indexing, abstracting and issues related to content analysis. The text is supported with diagrams, worked examples, and sample indexes and abstracts and a vast number of theorists are cited with evidence gained from their research. Although some of the references are several years old, they are included for their continued relevance.

Overall, Indexing and Abstracting</it> is a well‐researched book. It is an essential read for students of library and information studies and would be suitably placed in an academic library where such courses are offered. The student of Indexing and Abstracting</it> will look forward to the next edition to see how the Internet and related multi‐media have figured in the intervening years. In the meantime, take note AltaVista and Yahoo for extra control!