Brief Communication – concerning algorithmic indexing in MEDLINE

Abstract

As of early 2022, indexing in the National Library of Medicine [NLM] MEDLINE database is performed by an algorithm, MTIA [Medical Text Indexer-Auto], with human curation as appropriate. Deployment of a machine learning classifier, MTIX [Medical Text Indexer-neXt generation] is planned for mid-2024. This brief communication outlines the processes of MTIA and raises concerns about the MeSH [Medical Subject Headings] applied by algorithm. Implications for searchers and educators are briefly discussed.