Definition
Ei Compendex (Engineering Index Compendex) is a multidisciplinary bibliographic database that provides comprehensive coverage of the engineering literature. It indexes journal articles, conference papers, technical reports, dissertations, and other scholarly works across a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines.
Overview
Ei Compendex is produced and maintained by Elsevier and is regarded as one of the most extensive engineering databases worldwide. The database aggregates records from over 5,000 sources, including peer‑reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical publications, spanning more than a century of engineering research. Users access Ei Compendex primarily through institutional subscriptions, often via the Elsevier Engineering Village platform. The database supports advanced search functions, citation linking, and export capabilities that facilitate literature reviews, patent research, and academic investigations.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Compendex” is a contraction of “Compendium of Engineering Index.” The original Engineering Index (EI) was founded in 1884 as a printed index of engineering publications. In the late 20th century, the index was digitized and expanded, resulting in the electronic database known as Ei Compendex. The prefix “Ei” reflects the continued association with the original Engineering Index.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope | Covers all major engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, environmental, and computer engineering, among others. |
| Temporal Coverage | Records date back to the early 20th century, with continuous updates adding new entries weekly. |
| Document Types | Journal articles, conference proceedings, technical reports, theses and dissertations, patents, and standards. |
| Indexing Terms | Utilizes a controlled vocabulary of engineering-specific keywords and subject headings to facilitate precise retrieval. |
| Access Platforms | Primarily accessed through Engineering Village; also searchable via other academic library portals that license the database. |
| Citation Linking | Provides DOI and CrossRef links where available, enabling direct access to full‑text sources. |
| Export Options | Supports export of citations in multiple formats (RIS, EndNote, BibTeX, etc.) for reference management. |
| Update Frequency | New records are added on a weekly basis, ensuring up‑to‑date coverage of current engineering literature. |
Related Topics
- Engineering Index (EI) – The historic printed predecessor to Ei Compendex.
- Elsevier – The publishing company that owns and operates Ei Compendex and the Engineering Village platform.
- Engineering Village – The online portal through which Ei Compendex is accessed, alongside other engineering databases such as Inspec.
- Scopus – Elsevier’s multidisciplinary citation database, which also indexes engineering literature but with a broader scientific scope.
- Web of Science – A multidisciplinary citation index that includes engineering journals and competes with Ei Compendex for coverage.
- IEEE Xplore – A digital library providing access to literature in electrical, electronics, and computer engineering, complementary to Ei Compendex.
- Inspec – An engineering and physics database produced by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Ei Compendex remains a pivotal resource for engineers, researchers, and students seeking comprehensive bibliographic information across the engineering spectrum.