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.

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.

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. <- redirecting the reader to preferred term

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.

Further reading

• Nancy Mulvany, Indexing Books (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing), Second Edition ISBN 0226552764
• Pat Booth, Indexing: the manual of good practice (K.G. Saur), ISBN 3598115369
• ISO 999:1996 Guidelines for the Content, Organization, and Presentation of Indexes

External links

• American Society of Indexers
• Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers
• Indexing and Abstracting Society of Canada
• British Society of Indexers
• The Indexer (the international journal)

Book publishing | Indexing | book design

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