ProQuest Indexing: What Journals Need to Know

ProQuest is a major research platform providing access to dissertations, theses, journals, newspapers, and other scholarly content. For academic journals, ProQuest inclusion offers significant discoverability through library systems worldwide. This guide explains ProQuest's databases, the indexing process, and the related Ulrichsweb directory that tracks journal publication information.

Understanding ProQuest #

ProQuest operates as a content aggregator and research platform, distinct from citation indexes:

What ProQuest Provides #

• Research Databases: Subject-specific and multidisciplinary content collections
• Dissertations & Theses: World's largest collection (ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global)
• Historical Archives: Digitised historical newspapers, periodicals, and documents
• Library Distribution: Content accessible through institutional subscriptions
• Ulrichsweb: Comprehensive directory of serials information

ProQuest vs. Citation Indexes #

• Focuses on content access and discovery rather than citation metrics
• No proprietary impact factor
• Serves library users seeking full-text content
• Includes diverse content types beyond peer-reviewed journals

Major ProQuest Databases #

Multidisciplinary #

• ProQuest Central: Largest multidisciplinary database
• Academic Complete: Broad academic coverage
• Research Library: Core scholarly content

Subject-Specific Databases #

• ABI/INFORM: Business and management research
• ERIC: Education resources (hosted by ProQuest)
• Sociological Abstracts: Sociology and related disciplines
• PAIS Index: Public affairs and policy
• Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts: Language sciences
• International Bibliography of the Social Sciences: Social science research
• Biological Sciences: Life sciences content
• Health & Medical Collection: Healthcare research

Historical and Archival #

• Periodicals Index Online (PIO): Arts, humanities, social sciences from 1665-2000
• Periodicals Archive Online (PAO): Full-text historical journals
• Historical Newspapers: Digitised newspaper archives
• American Periodicals Series: Colonial-era to early 20th century

Ulrichsweb: The Serials Directory #

Ulrichsweb (formerly Ulrich's Periodicals Directory) is ProQuest's comprehensive database of serial information:

What Ulrichsweb Tracks #

• Over 300,000 periodicals and journals
• Publisher information
• ISSN registration
• Peer review status
• Indexing coverage (which databases index the journal)
• Publication history
• Subject classifications
• Contact information

Why Ulrichsweb Matters #

• Verification Tool: Libraries and researchers use it to verify journal legitimacy
• Peer Review Indicator: Shows whether journal is peer-reviewed
• Indexing Transparency: Lists which databases index the journal
• Publication Status: Shows if journal is active, ceased, or irregular

Getting Listed in Ulrichsweb #

To add a journal to Ulrichsweb:

• Email ulrichs@proquest.com
• Include: journal name, ISSN, publisher name, publisher address
• Provide any other relevant publication information
• An editor will follow up with the publisher

Note: Ulrichsweb listing is not the same as ProQuest database indexing—it's a directory entry tracking the journal's existence and basic information.

ProQuest Database Indexing #

How to Apply #

For journal indexing in ProQuest databases:

1. Contact ProQuest: Email connectwithgca@proquest.com
2. Provide Information:
   • Journal title(s)
   • Subject areas covered
   • ISSN/eISSN
   • Publication frequency
   • Average number of articles per issue
   • Website URL
   • Sample content access
3. Evaluation: ProQuest reviews for relevance and quality
4. Decision: Acceptance for appropriate database(s)

Selection Considerations #

ProQuest evaluates:

• Subject Relevance: Fit with specific database scope
• Quality Standards: Peer review, editorial standards
• User Needs: Content value for library subscribers
• Technical Requirements: Ability to provide content in required formats
• Publication Consistency: Regular, ongoing publication

Content Delivery Options #

• Full-Text: Complete article content accessible
• Abstract/Index: Bibliographic information and abstracts only
• Selective: Specific content types or time periods

Benefits of ProQuest Indexing #

Discoverability #

• Content searchable through library systems worldwide
• Integration with institutional discovery services
• Exposure to diverse user communities

Archival Value #

• Long-term content preservation
• Historical content remains accessible
• Stable platform for content access

Institutional Reach #

• Academic libraries globally
• Public library systems
• Corporate and government libraries
• International coverage

Requirements for Consideration #

While ProQuest doesn't publish detailed selection criteria like Scopus, journals should demonstrate:

Basic Standards #

• Registered ISSN
• Active publication with consistent schedule
• Peer review process (for academic databases)
• Professional editorial standards
• Complete metadata for articles

Technical Capability #

• Ability to provide content in required formats
• Reliable content delivery
• Complete bibliographic information
• Article-level metadata

Website Quality #

• Professional online presence
• Clear journal information
• Editorial board with credentials
• Accessible archives
• Contact information

ProQuest Readiness Checklist #

ProQuest in Indexing Strategy #

ProQuest complements other indexing approaches:

A comprehensive indexing strategy typically includes multiple types for maximum reach.

How Altechmind Can Help #

Professional infrastructure supports database inclusion:

• OJS Configuration: Complete metadata fields and proper article structure
• Website Development: Professional presentation meeting database expectations
• Metadata Quality: Accurate, complete bibliographic information
• Archive Organisation: Properly structured, accessible back issues
• DOI Integration: Crossref registration for persistent identification