If you would like to know more about indexes, indexers and indexing, the following ten questions and answers are for you!
1. What is an index?
Most people are familiar with the index which can be found at the back of non-fiction books. The index is an alphabetical list of terms with page numbers which help readers find information in the book.
Nancy Mulvany is a professional indexer and past president of the American Society for Indexers. She defines an index as a structured sequence—resulting from a thorough and complete analysis of text—of synthesized access points to all the information contained in the text. The structured arrangement of the index enables users to locate information efficiently.
2. Who can become an indexer?
Anybody with an interest in books and publishing can become an indexer. Although many indexers have degrees or a background in librarianship, it is important to have good general knowledge, a willingness to learn and perhaps a hobby or interest which can lead to specialised knowledge about a subject.
3. How is a book indexed?
Usually books are indexed from a PDF when the page numbers are finalised. Some indexes are prepared using embedding indexing or tags in Word or InDesign.
The indexer reads through the text picking out terms (e.g., names of people or places and themes) which would be useful to potential readers and adds the page numbers. Most indexers use specialised software to sort and format indexes. The main programs are Cindex, Macrex and Sky.
4. Does an indexer read the whole book?
Yes! The indexer does have to read the whole book from the beginning to end to find the terms to select for the index.
5. Can a computer produce an index?
No! A computer cannot produce an index automatically. A computer can help with arranging and formatting the index but it needs a human to select the terms and page locators.
6. Where can I train to become an indexer?
Indexing training courses are run by the United Kingdom Society of Indexers and the American Society for Indexing.
7. Why does a book need an index?
A book needs an index to help readers locate information. An index adds value to books and links themes in books through cross-references.
8. What are the characteristics of an indexer?
Indexers are organised, disciplined, detail-oriented, flexible and computer literate.
9. Where can I find an indexer?
If you are an author or an editor looking for an indexer for your book, you can find indexers in the directories of the
Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders & Indexers of Ireland (https://www.afepi-ireland.com)
Society of Indexers (https://www.indexers.org.uk)
American Society for Indexing (https://www.asindexing.org).
10. Where can I find more information?
Further information can be found at the above websites or in the following books/journals:
Indexing Books Nancy C. Mulvany
Indexing: The Manual of Good Practice Pat F. Booth
Indexing and Abstracting Donald B. Cleveland and Ana D. Cleveland
The Indexer. The International Journal of Indexing
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