The Planning of Indexing and Abstracting Services in the Social Sciences. Coverage, Overlap and Content.

Indexing and abstraction services in the social sciences are growing as primary sources. Results are that users become overwhelmed with the number of secondary services they use. Therefore, planning, coverage and overlap are examined in this research report with emphasis on reexamining secondary services and redefining users and users' needs. Overlap and coverage of secondary sources dealing with criminology and public administration were examined. Results showed that adequate but insufficient services are provided. Recommendations of this study are that the decision must be made whether broad or narrow coverage is to occur. It suggests that an identification be made of the material and user evaluation of services. (AP)