AUTOREF: A deductive database for automatic referee selection

A central function in processing papers submitted for publication is that of finding suitable referees. Referees should be knowledgeable, have sufficient time, and be thorough and prompt in thei reviews. Sometimes, specific knowledge, such as a known conflict of interest, will have a bearing on the process. While the record-keeping associated with submissions is often automated, the referee selection process is still done manually. The paper describes a prototype deductive database named AUTOREF, implemented in PROLOG, that can provide automated assistance in this selection process. AUTOREF strives to find the best referees, failing which, it progressively relaxes requirements to find the most suitable available ones. As a last resort, it goes into manual mode. The editorial activities supported by AUTOREF are generic, and could be customized for most specific requirements. Automated assistance for referee selection might further improve quality and efficiency of the editorial process.