> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.cabi.org/cabi-digital-library-help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.cabi.org/cabi-digital-library-help/search/cabi-thesaurus-update-and-reindexing-of-cabi-abstract-records.md). # CABI Thesaurus update and reindexing of CABI abstract records The [CABI Thesaurus](https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/cabi-thesaurus) is regularly updated to reflect current scientific naming conventions and best practices. **In 2026, CABI performed a Thesaurus update alongside the reindexing of affected CABI abstract records.** **Roughly 3.8 million records (around 21% of the CABI Database) were affected** by changes to their indexing information. ### ### Changes to indexing Several types of changes were made to abstract records: #### New terms have replaced outdated terminology * The Organism Descriptor “man” has been replaced by “humans”. This change affected approximately 3.4 million records. * Where the new term “humans” replaces “man”, the superseded term “man” has been added to the Identifier (ID) field. This ensures that saved searches can continue to function. * The Identifier field is used for concepts or organisms that are not part of the current preferred terminology, either because they are outdated or newly emerging. * In addition to “man”, there were similar replacements for 21 other indexing terms that had become outdated. #### Identifier terms moving into the main Controlled Vocabulary * A total of 157 indexing terms previously categorised as Identifiers have been incorporated into CABI’s main Controlled Vocabulary and reclassified as one of the following: Descriptor (DE), Organism Descriptor (OD) or Geographic Locator (GL). * Where appropriate, corresponding Broad Terms (UP) have been added to affected records to ensure retrievability. Searching using a Broader Term automatically retrieves records indexed with narrower terms beneath it. For example, “up:(Pacific Islands)” now retrieves records indexed with “gl:Kiribati”. #### List of updated terms * If you are a CABI databases subscriber, you can view the full list of updated indexing terms here: [CABI Thesaurus Update](https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/cabi-thesaurus/update) *** ### FAQs #### Q1: Do all platforms that host CABI’s Databases reflect these changes? A: Yes. The changes were made on CABI Digital Library first, and CABI is working closely with other platform vendors, including EBSCO, Ovid, Web of Science, and Clarivate ProQuest, to ensure a smooth update of the CABI Thesaurus and affected abstract records. Specifically: * Each vendor will communicate timelines for updates on their platforms directly with customers * Updates will be reflected automatically as vendors implement the new indexing. They will communicate directly with customers about any recommendations for users. {% hint style="info" %} **Note:** Platform vendors may implement the updates on slightly different timelines depending on their integration schedules. {% endhint %} #### Q2: What happened to the Smart Searches that include the affected indexing terms? A: Smart Searches are pre-built, commonly researched queries that have already been updated to reflect the latest indexing terms. * [CAB Abstracts Smart Searches](https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/product/ca/smart-search) * [Global Health Smart Searches](https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/product/he/smart-search) #### Q3: What is the [Thesaurus Search Builder](https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/cabi-thesaurus/app) and how does it work? A: Use the CABI Thesaurus Search Builder to find the right keywords, synonyms, and subject terms to enhance the precision and depth of your literature searches. This powerful tool helps you create precise, targeted queries for CABI databases—so you can discover relevant research faster and with greater accuracy. * Use the Thesaurus Search Builder to select updated terms and build a targeted search query. * You will be directed to the search results page of CABI Digital Library. * Should you need it, you can edit your search directly in the Thesaurus Search Builder and combine the terms using Boolean operators. Have a try [here](https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/cabi-thesaurus/app). *** ### Any queries? If you have any questions, please contact . --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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