A three-stage analytical reading method for the composition of informative and indicative abstracts by authors and abstractors is presented in this monograph, along with background information on the abstracting process and a discussion of professional considerations in abstracting. An introduction to abstracts and abstracting precedes general advice for abstractors and a summary of the processes of human and computer-assisted abstracting and translating. Sections on retrieval reading, creative reading, and critical reading comprise the proposed three-stage method for abstracting, with rules and examples provided for each stage. The importance of analytical reading in the writing of good-quality abstracts, the length and style of abstracts, the time required for writing abstracts, and the function of thinking and cognition skills within abstracting and other information-processing activities are described. A syntopical index to the literature on abstracting style is also included. The interrelationships between abstractors, readers, information scientists, managers or sponsors of abstracting services, and editors or reviewers of abstracts are examined, as are the topics of abstracting as a profession and the professional status of abstractors. A glossary, seven appendices including annotated bibliographies and further rules and examples for abstracting, a list of 37 references, and an index conclude the publication. (Author/ESR)