Abstracting Abstracting An abstract is a concise and

Abstracting

Abstracting Ø An abstract is a concise and accurate representation of the contents of a document, in a style similar to that of the original document. Purpose of abstracts As an aid to the reader. It helps the reader assess the contents of a document without having to read the whole document. The reader can narrow the selection of documents based upon their abstracts. It increases the efficiency of searching. Professional abstractors Employed by organisations to abstract numerous documents. If they know the subject well enough, they can write a good abstract.

value of an abstract Ø Abstract length. Ø Abstract orientation Ø Abstract quality Ø Nature of the original document Types of abstract Ø Informative abstracts Represent as much of the information from the document’s content as possible. Ø Indicative abstracts Indicates general content without trying to describe it all. Usually a list of topics but no detail. Ø Critical abstracts Does more than just describe content. Evaluates work and places it in context, so write of abstract is adding personal opinion to abstract. Not common

Selecting documents for abstracts Ø Relevant to customers Ø New contributions to the subject Ø Final reports (not interim ones) Ø Foreign documents / hard to access material

Abstracting skills Ø writing skills Ø work at speed Ø accuracy Process Ø Read the document Ø understand content Ø focus on results reported in document Ø Make written notes Ø Draft rough abstract Ø Check draft for spelling, accuracy

STYLES Ø Style I Consider nature of original document Subject Length Language Author's target audience Ø Style II Anticipate the use of the abstract current awareness (keep short) retrospective searching (can be longer) Ø Style III Start with a key sentence. Summarise content that is not described by document title. This gives the reader a chance to eliminate the document quickly if it is not relevant to his/her search. Ø Style IV Keep sentences short. An abstract is not an essay. Sentences (in English) of about 12 words are suitable for an abstract. Keep to one paragraph.

Ø Style V All sentences should be complete. Include verbs and articles i. e. ‘the’. Sentences can be broken up by numbering the points for clarity. Make the meaning clear. Use words with only one meaning. Ø Style VI Use initials, acronyms, trade names and subject terms if the reader of the abstract will understand them. Using these devices will make the abstract shorter. Some abstracting services have a standard list of abbreviations that the reader can consult.

Ø Style VII Be concise. Write the draft then cut out unnecessary words and phrases, e. g. “the authors are of the opinion that…’. This is obvious. Prefer active verbs. Use simple past tense to report what was done Use present tense for facts, properties. Ø Style VIII Follow the order of the original document, unless there is a good reasons to change it. Ø Style IX The abstract should reflect the intentions of the original author. If the document emphasises one aspect above others, the abstract should do the same.

Style summary Ø The abstract should include the following: Ø purpose and scope of investigation Ø methodology used in the study Ø results obtained Ø conclusions drawn from the study Ø other findings