The Indexer: The International Journal of Indexing

Rewriting the book in the index: what does this mean?

The Indexer: The International Journal of Indexing (2020), 38, (4), 419–422.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3828/indexer.2020.38
Language
English
Pages
4

Abstract

A common admonishment for indexers is not to rewrite the book in the index. Stephen Ullstrom examines this advice in terms of exhaustivity, depth of indexing, and specificity. He concludes that instead of focusing on what the index should not be, we should focus on what it should be, which is clear, comprehensive, and appropriate for the text and audience.

Access Token

FormatArticle

£25.00
ReferencesPDF

References

Leise, F. (2016) ‘Pan-granularism and specificity’, The Indexer 34(4), 147-55. Google Scholar

Mertes, K. (2018) ‘Term selection’, The Indexer 36(2), 48-55. Google Scholar

Mulvany, N. C. (2005) Indexing books, 2nd edn. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press. Google Scholar

Perlman, J. (2016) Indexing tactics & tidbits: an A-Z guide. Medford, NJ: Information Today in association with ASI. Google Scholar

Stauber, D. (2004) Facing the text: content and structure in book indexing. Eugene, OR: Cedar Row Press. Google Scholar

Towery, M. (2016) Ten characteristics of quality indexes: confessions of an award-winning indexer. Medford, NJ: Information Today in association with ASI. Google Scholar

If you have private access to this content, please log in with your username and password here

Details

Author details

Ullstrom, Stephen