ISSN 2039-2117 (online) ISSN 2039-9340 (print) Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy Vol 6 No 6 S2 November 2015 526 Evaluation Criteria for Online Specialized indexes Abdolreza Norouzi Chakoli Faculty member of Shahed University, Iran Noushin Ilbeigi (Corresponding Author) MA in scientometrics, Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Iran Ameneh Rahjoo MA in Information and Knowledge Science Doi:10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s2p526 Abstract The objective of this study, which is based on documentary method, was to provide a list of evaluation criteria for online specialized indexes. For this purpose, the printed and electronic texts having evaluated indexes were studied and criteria which are scattered in various texts on the evaluation of indexes were identified and collected. In addition, some of the criteria were directly identified through reference and identification of indexes. Thus, all of them were classified in eight classes based on the dimensions and capabilities of the indexes that were considered by criteria, and finally, a list of evaluation criteria for online specialized indexes was presented. Keywords: specialized index, evaluation, evaluation criteria Introduction 1. For many years, indexes have been used to help users for quick locating of required information. In this regard, the basic concept of the index refers to the index in the back of the book that was presented to clarify the content of the book. However, with scientific information production growth, it was necessary to propose the indexes related to the specific topics that cover a set of specialized journals or other sources and contribute to their clarification as a necessity. Subsequently, indexes came into existence in areas such as chemistry, physics, engineering, art, architecture and so on in order to help users to access a variety of resources related to the favorite topic (Norouzi Chakeli and Hassanzadeh, 2008: 43). On the other hand, index as one of the most important data analysis tools to analyze the scientific documents has also major contribution. Hence, the creation of this tool and controlling its permanent quality is necessary for every information system. Awareness of the existence of scientific documents in various subject areas and their information content is regarded an important factor of research development and this is possible by using indexes (Ashrafei Rizi and Kazempour, 2007:151). In addition, the function of indexes in providing information about ongoing research, awareness of the boundaries of knowledge to conduct new researches and using background of study in new researches should not be ignored. On the other hand, indexes can be used to explain the relationship between science and the scientific map drawing. Magazines and journals as the most important sources of information providing the latest achievements in various fields of human knowledge always use indexing to organize their information content. Given the importance of indexes, identification of criteria and indicators through which specialized indexes can be assessed has great importance. Regarding the importance of evaluating the specialized indexes, this paper tried to address the concept of the index and study the texts related to the field of indexes' evaluation and then provide the inventory relevant to the evaluation criteria of specialized indexes.