Inspec database - content and quality
The Inspec database prides itself on the quality and the integrity of its data. It is world-renowned for its comprehensiveness of coverage, and has achieved ISO 9001:2000 accreditation for the quality of its production process for several years running.
Data validation and checking
Inspec is one of the most respected databases in the information business, and this reputation is due largely to the quality of the indexing. To ensure knowledgeable, consistent indexing, Inspec's indexers are subject specialists. In addition, the scope of the indexing has grown since the inception of the file to include not only the usual Thesaurus Term and Classification Code indexes, but also the Uncontrolled Index Terms, Treatment codes, Chemical Substance Indexing, Numerical Data Indexing and Astronomical Object Indexing (a sample record showing most of these is available).
Inspec prides itself not only on the provision of rigorous indexing, but also strives to achieve the quality and integrity of all the data. Extensive computer validation procedures are used to ensure that the database is nearly error-free. For many fields, the entries are checked against an authority file.
Fields such as Thesaurus Terms, Classification, Journal Names, Author Affiliation, Language, and Country of Publication all have authority files. For fields where it is not possible to create an authority file, field size and format checks are made. For instance in fields which contain a date, only valid dates are allowed. In the Author Name field, the format of the data is checked to ensure that the surname comes first, followed by the initials, e.g. Smith, T.H. For free text fields such as the title and abstract, spelling checks are used.
Database corrections
Inspec operates a stringent quality assurance procedure, but inevitably there are occasions where errors and omissions do occur. To correct inaccurate Inspec records we provide a correction service, and this is currently issued to vendors 4 times each year. Please report errors and omissions by contacting your regional Inspec office.
