This examination of abstracting-indexing services for the field of history focuses on Historical Abstracts (HA) and America--History and Life (AHL), and their relationship to the American Bibliographical Center's Subject Profile Index (ABC-SPIndex). The history, scope, selection criteria, and classification arrangements of the two databases are described, as is the indexing system of ABC-SPIndex. Sections also explore the processing of entries, the kinds of personnel involved in the bibliographical process, user input, and the cost effective aspects of HA and AHL. The concluding section provides a summary of major points. (FM)