Functions

The primary functions of indexing and abstracting periodicals are:

1. to keep scholars and information users abreast of current literature in their areas of interest. They can be benefited through  scanning the issues of indexing and abstracting periodicals. This can be known as current use function; 
2. to find information on the literature of the subject fields as and when need arises. The indexing and abstracting periodicals are key tools to librarians and information workers for day to day reference and bibliographical work, though research scholars also use them extensively. This can be termed as retrospective search function; and 
3. to provide bibliographical control of literature output either by country or by subject or by kind of materials, if the purpose of the indexing and abstracting services is exhaustive coverage. This can be known as comprehensive use function. 

The secondary functions are:

1. to help users get over language bather, especially in the case of abstracting periodicals; 
2. to obtain correct and complete bibliographical details of particular items of literature, when there is any doubt; 
3. to look up for information on a topic, which may not have been well covered by books, encyclopaedias, etc.; 
4. to famous the work of individual scientists or scholars; 
5. to serve as a source for carrying out statistical, bibliometric and sociological studies on the growth and pattern of literature, indicative of research and development efforts taking place; and 
6. to assist users to obtain information which is otherwise scattered in other sources.