In-depth indexing of monograph literature for an on-line retrieval system: a pilot project

One of the unique features of the State University of New York (SUNY) Biomedical Communication Network is the availability of depth-indexed monograph information for on-line retrieval. Approximately 8,000 titles from the Upstate Medical Center Library collection in Syracuse, New York, were indexed in depth, chapter-by-chapter, as to subject content using the control vocabulary Medical Subject Headings. Detailed indexing of monographic conference proceedings was considered of particular importance to the project. This attempt to make monograph literature more readily accessible to medical library patrons is interesting from both a philosophical and a technical point of view. This paper will discuss both of these aspects, giving an overall description of the nature of this innovative project.