Topical indexing of NACE literature for computerization has re-emphasized the importance of correctly constructed titles. Because the NACE system has a one-line limit for indicative titles, the major component of bibliographic references, it is necessary to use only salient words to characterize an article. Comparisons of these indicative titles with original article titles often indicate that the authors’ headings could have been more informative.
One-line, computer-generated bibliographies from the NACE file frequently are the sole information available to the researcher. Thus, the indicative title becomes very important to persons relying on bibliographies alone to identify pertinent literature.
The importance of an informative title is even greater when the title becomes the sole element in a permuted title index. It is only slightly less important when it is a major component of an abstract which, in addition to the title, consists of one or two sentences and source identification.
Titles to technical articles should be constructed to convey maximum information in the fewest words. They should attract attention and characterize major contents quickly.
A title can be both technically correct and misleading. A heading that implies extensive coverage of a topic when actual content is much smaller is an example. The converse is also true. The order of words in the title influences the attention it gets. Starting a title with strong words is helpful. Thus, it often is desirable to avoid such phrases as “A Study on...” or “A Report...” and other similar expressions. It frequently is possible to avoid using the articles “A,” “An,” and “The.” Unless compelled to use it in anticipation of permuted title indexing, the word “corrosion” frequently is unnecessary.
Care should be taken with referents. For example, the phrase “Statistical Control of Susceptibility to Attack” implies that statistics can control susceptibility. Also, a test module should not be equated with actual equipment.
Usually, titles should be specific and no longer than necessary. They should be designed to get the attention of potential readers of the work. They should not be misleading. To the fullest extent possible, they should be written to comply with computer search strategies. An ideal title gives information on environments, materials, mechanisms, and such numerical specifics as are important. For example, “250 to 350 C” is better than “hot.”
Titles should be given as much careful attention as any other segment of an article, if not more. It is good practice when asking for reviews to ask that titles be reviewed also.
The marvelous flexibility of the English language is both a boon and a trap in that constructions intended to convey one meaning may have different meanings for some.
The time and effort spent in preparing an article for publication should not be wasted because its title fails to get the attention of persons for whom the information was intended.
