Literature index refers to the process of classifying, sorting and listing literature information according to certain rules. The purpose of literature index is to provide readers with more convenient, accurate and diverse ways to query literature information, and to provide the basis for management and service for publishing houses or libraries. The forms of literature index include manual compilation and database management. With the development of electronic technology, more and more document information is digitized and networked, and the document index gradually turns to the construction and application of digital database.

Literature index is widely used, involving scientific research, education, publishing, library and other fields. Researchers and students can use the literature index system to find the previous research results, theoretical basis and new development trends, and cite literature in their own research. Publishing houses can make good use of literature index to edit and proofread books and speed up the publishing progress. The library can provide users with more convenient borrowing services through literature index, and at the same time manage the books in its collection.

The standardization construction of literature index is very important for the integration and utilization of information resources. At present, the global literature index data resources are diversified, digitized and globalized, and various literature index databases are constantly updated and improved. In recent years, China is also speeding up the construction of literature index standard system and the development of digital literature resource database in order to provide better services for users. The development of document index can not be separated from the support of information technology and the active participation of talent team, and its future development prospect is very broad.