What is Scopus Conference Indexing?

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What is Scopus Conference Indexing?

Scopus is a major database that indexes academic content, including conference papers, to enhance research visibility. Being indexed means the conference’s papers are included, making them citable and accessible globally. This is crucial for researchers seeking to boost their work’s impact.


How to Verify Indexing Status
Follow these simple steps to check if a conference is indexed by Scopus:


Surprising Detail: Predatory Conferences
Be cautious—some conferences falsely claim Scopus indexing to attract submissions. Always verify through official Scopus sources, not just the conference website, to avoid scams.



Comprehensive Guide on Verifying Scopus Conference Indexing Status

This section provides a detailed exploration of the process to verify if a conference is indexed by Scopus, ensuring researchers can confidently select venues for maximum academic impact. Scopus, developed by Elsevier, is a leading abstract and citation database indexing millions of conference papers, making it essential to confirm a conference’s indexing status for visibility and citation potential.

Background on Scopus Indexing

Scopus indexes a curated selection of conference series based on quality criteria, ensuring only credible scientific contributions are included. This indexing enhances a paper’s discoverability, citation count, and academic reputation. However, not all conferences are indexed, and some may falsely claim this status, highlighting the need for verification.

Step-by-Step Verification Process


To verify the indexing status, follow these detailed steps:


  1. Access the Scopus Sources Page
    Begin by navigating to the Scopus sources list at https://www.scopus.com/sources. This page lists all journals, conference series, and trade publications indexed by Scopus, categorized for easy navigation.


  2. Search for the Conference or Proceeding Title
    Use the search functionality on the page to enter the exact name of the conference or its proceeding title. For example, for the “IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision” (ICCV), search for “ICCV” or its full name. If the conference series is listed, it confirms indexing. The listing will include details like subject area, publisher, and metrics such as CiteScore.


  3. Verify Through Publication Details if Not Listed
    If the conference is not directly listed, determine where its papers are published. Many conferences publish proceedings through established publishers like Springer, IEEE, ACM, or Elsevier. For instance:

    • Springer’s Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) is a common outlet for conference papers and is indexed by Scopus.

    • IEEE conferences often appear in IEEE Xplore, which includes many Scopus-indexed series.

    • ACM proceedings are typically in the ACM Digital Library, also indexed by Scopus.

    To check, search for the publication title (e.g., “Lecture Notes in Computer Science”) on the Scopus sources page. If indexed, papers published there are included in Scopus, effectively making the conference indexed.

  4. Cross-Check with Scopus Database Search
    For additional confirmation, visit the main Scopus search page at https://www.scopus.com. Use the advanced search feature:

    • Select the “Conference name” or “Conference series” field.

    • Enter the conference name and execute the search.

    • If papers from the conference appear in the results, it indicates they are indexed. This method is particularly useful for verifying recent or smaller conferences.


  5. Beware of False Claims and Predatory Conferences
    Some conferences may display the Scopus logo or claim indexing without verification, often as part of predatory practices. Always rely on the official Scopus sources list or database search for accuracy. Check for historical papers from the conference in Scopus to ensure consistency.

Additional Verification Tips

Table: Common Publishers and Their Scopus Indexing Status


Below is a table of common publishers of conference proceedings and their typical indexing status in Scopus, based on general knowledge:


Publisher Common Series/Outlet Typically Indexed by Scopus
Springer Lecture Notes in Computer Science Yes
IEEE IEEE Xplore (specific conference series) Yes (varies by series)
ACM ACM Digital Library Yes
Elsevier Procedia Engineering, Procedia Technology Yes
IOS Press Various conference proceedings Yes (check specific series)

Note: Always verify individual series or titles on https://www.scopus.com/sources as indexing can vary.

Nuances and Considerations

It’s important to distinguish between a conference being directly listed as a Scopus-indexed series and its papers being included through an indexed publication. For example, if a conference’s papers are in LNCS, which is indexed, the papers are in Scopus, but the conference series itself might not be listed separately. This nuance is critical for researchers aiming for specific recognition.

Additionally, Scopus selects conference series based on quality, not individual events, meaning one-off conferences are less likely to be indexed unless part of an established series. This selection process ensures high scientific veracity, as noted in discussions on platforms like ResearchGate and Academia Stack Exchange.

Practical Example

Consider verifying the indexing status of the “International Conference on Machine Learning” (ICML):


This example illustrates the combined approach of using both the sources list and database search for thorough verification.

Conclusion

Verifying Scopus conference indexing status is essential for ensuring research visibility and impact. By leveraging the Scopus sources list, checking publication details, and cross-referencing with database searches, researchers can confidently identify indexed conferences. Always remain vigilant against predatory claims and prioritize official verification for academic integrity.