Indexing bases and their role within scientific communication

Abstract

The article proposes an analysis of the role of indexing bases within the current scientific communication process, considering their use as an evaluation criterion in the Qualis-periódicos evaluation system. Methodologically, it is characterized as descriptive research with a bibliographic nature and a qualitative approach. The documentary survey consisted of identifying the indexing guidelines made available by the databases to editors. The sample was composed of six databases mentioned in the Qualis periodical document: Redalyc, Scielo, Latindex, Scopus, WOS and DOAJ. As a result, it was found that the criteria used to decide whether or not to index a journal are related to its qualitative characteristics, such as evaluation systems, coverage and thematic content. The following number of criteria required by the analyzed databases was detected: Redalyc – 66, Scielo – 49, Latindex – 44, WOS – 24, Scopus – 16. It is concluded that, regardless of the number of criteria evaluated, all databases have a policy evaluation process, which implies constant readjustment or standardization of editors and other members of the editorial board, to ensure that they continue to fit the profile desired by the indexing base.