How Indexing Databases Increase Book Visibility

Indexing databases are the linchpin to academic findability, they are the ultimate record stacks loaded with metadata, linking researchers to the published literature they care about. These databases index the academic literature in a systematic way, allowing for easy searching by subject area, author qualifications, or keyword relationships (Mulvany, 2009; Ullstrom, 2023; Weinberg, 2009). Key indexing databases like WorldCat, JSTOR and Project MUSE and library-style discipline-specific repositories offer real boosts in book discoverability by making a book discoverable in multiple places. Once your scholarly book has become sufficiently indexed, it is made available via institutional libraries, academic search engines, and specialized research platforms, that your audience of scholars actually uses.

Key Benefits of Database Indexing

Enhanced Academic Discoverability

Correct document indexing means your book is featured in the right search results on the widest variety of academic platforms, meaning that researchers in your field are more likely to come across your work as part of their literature review and research process.

Institutional Access and Adoption:

Indexing databases are often used by libraries and educational institutions to determine what to purchase (Booth, 2013; de Araújo et al., 2019). Books published in reputable databases are more likely to be purchased by university libraries, increasing the chances of readers’ access.

Cross-Disciplinary Exposure

Comprehensive indexing may also uncover surprising bridges into other areas, enabling your results to be more widely appreciated outside your immediate area and to drive further interdisciplinary collaboration and citation.

Optimization Strategies for Database Inclusion

In order to help guarantee that your book appears in indexing databases, be sure to provide full and accurate metadata upon submission. This comprises extended summaries, full keyword lists, correct subject indexing, and full author details, including affiliations and ORCID. Authors are expected to consider carefully the list and order of authors before submitting their manuscript and provide the definitive list of authors at the time of the original submission. You will need to work closely with your publisher to ensure that they send your book to the relevant databases as soon as it becomes available. Different databases have different submission instructions and timetables, and early coordination will avoid delays in indexing that can affect your book’s visibility for the initial period after publication.

Learn more in Book Indexing Databases 

Explore more insights on Reference Managers 

See the Increase Book Citations  for more resources

Further Reading: Impact of Citations 

References

Booth, P. F. (2013). Indexing: the manual of good practice. Walter de Gruyter.

de Araújo, P. C., Castanha, R. C. G., & Hjorland, B. (2019). Citation indexing and indexes. ISKO Encyclopedia of Knowledge Organization.

Mulvany, N. C. (2009). Indexing books. University of Chicago Press.

Ullstrom, S. (2023). Book Indexing: A Step-by-Step Guide. Anthimus Press.

Weinberg, B. H. (2009). Indexing: History and theory. Encyclopedia of library and information sciences, 2277-2290.