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An index is a detailed list, usually arranged alphabetically, of the specific information in a publication, whether a book, periodical, database or multimedia collection. It is designed to help the reader find information quickly and easily. Ideally, an index is not simply a list of the major terms in a publication (which is more properly called a concordance), but an organized map of its contents, including cross-references, grouping of like concepts, and other useful intellectual analysis. To publish is to make publicly known, and in reference to text and images, it can mean distributing paper copies to the public, or putting the content on a website. ...
Brockhaus Konversations-Lexikon, 1902. ...
Multimedia is the use of several media (e. ...
for other uses, see concordance. ...
In a catalogue or index, a direction that leads a user from one entry or subject heading to another. ...
In books, indexes are usually placed near the end (this is commonly known as "BoB" or back-of-book indexing). They complement the table of contents by enabling access to information by subject, whereas contents listings enable access through broad categories arranged in the order they occur. A table of contents is an organized list of titles for quick information on the summary of a book or document and quickly directing the reader to any topic. ...
The indexing process begins with a thorough reading of the text; the process includes the selection of terms to be indexed, creation of subentries where appropriate, grouping of like terms to aid the reader, addition of commonly used terms directing the reader to the term used in the book (see references), identification of related terms (see also references), and finally editing to improve cohesiveness, consistency, accuracy, and usefulness. Indexing is usually done by freelancers hired by publishers or book packagers.
Sample index excerpt:
- Sage, 41-42. See also Herbs. <- directing the reader to related terms
- Scarlet Sage see Salvia coccinea. <- redirecting the reader to term used in the text
- Shade plants <- grouping term (may not appear in the text, may be generated by indexer)
- hosta, 93 <- subentries
- myrtle, 46
- Solomon's seal, 14
- Sunflower, 47 <- regular entry
There are a number of sub-specialties in indexing, such as web indexing (the application of a back-of-book-style index to a website or intranet), database indexing (the application of a pre-defined controlled vocabulary such as MeSH to articles for inclusion in a database), periodical indexing (indexing of newspapers, journals, magazines). Some indexers specialize in particular subject areas such as history, genealogy, or law. Web indexing (or Internet indexing) includes back-of-book-style indexes to individual websites or an Intranet, and the creation of keyword metadata to provide a more useful vocabulary for Internet or onsite search engines. ...
Website - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ...
An intranet is a private computer network that uses Internet protocols, network connectivity, and possibly the public telecommunication system to securely share part of an organizations information or operations with its employees. ...
A controlled vocabulary is a carefully selected list of words and phrases, which are used to tag units of information so that they may be more easily retrieved by a search. ...
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) is a huge controlled vocabulary (or metadata system) for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books in the life sciences. ...
Further reading
- Nancy Mulvany, Indexing Books (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing), Second Edition ISBN 0-226-55276-4
- Pat Booth, Indexing: the manual of good practice (K.G. Saur), ISBN 3-598-11536-9
- ISO 999:1996 Guidelines for the Content, Organization, and Presentation of Indexes
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