For more information, contact:
  info@cpynebookindexing.com
        Telephone: (613) 722 - 7998
Home About Book Indexing Services About Indexes Fees and Related Matters Quotations and Logistics Style and Format Contact Us
:: What is an Index?
:: What Makes a Good
   Index?
:: Who Should Write
   the Index?
:: Writing the Index

:: Automatic Indexing
    Software
:: Who Reads Indexes?

:: Increase Book Sales
:: Index Quote
:: Home
Automatic book indexing software


Automatic Book Indexing Software



Many people think that computers can write indexes for them because some word processing software have "index generation features". These software packages output a "concordance" which is decidedly different from an "index" written by a human indexer who has actually read your book. A good index is carefully
structured and anticipates a readers's needs - something a computer can't do.

A concordance, generated by a computer, is a "mere listing of words and phrases with a long string of page numbers. A concordance is at best a poor substitute for a proper index written by a professional human indexer. Far from being simple and straightforward, book indexing is actually a rather complex process." Hans H. Wellisch, Indexing from A to Z.

Compare a "concordance" and an "index" in the chart below:



 

Automatic Indexing Software "Concordance"

Professional Book Indexer
"Index"

  
 
  • Automatic indexing software
    produce a "concordance"
    which is a list of words with a
    long string of page numbers afterwards, which makes it
    difficult for readers to locate
    information.

  • Indexers write an "index" by
    manipulating words in the text
    to create concise headings and
    subheadings with page locators
    for quick, efficient access to
    specific information.
 
 
  • Not able to create subheadings
    which structurally organize
    ideas and concepts for quick,
    efficient access by readers

  • Indexers create both headings
    and subheadings.
  • Subheadings are the real "meat-
    and-potatoes" of an index.
  
 
  • Not able to create a network of
    inter-relationships of concepts,
    name or ideas.

  • Indexers create a network of
    inter-relationships of concepts,
    names and ideas using: headings,
    subheadings, cross-references
    and double postings.
  
 
  • Not able to analyze the text;
    nor able to identify or synthesize
    concepts. Lacks human
    "subjective thinking".
  • Indexers read between the lines,
    analyzing the text, identifying and synthesizing concepts whether or not they are mentioned in the text
  
 
  • Not able to identify or synthesize concepts or use "subjective
    thinking"

  • Indexers determine the relative
    importance of words and
    concepts by subjective thinking
 
 
  • Not able to make subjective
    and intelligent analysis of the
    text

  • Indexers identify the complex
    organization of concepts and
    ideas found throughout the
    text. Headings and subheadings are developed accordingly.
 
 
  • Not able to distinguish concepts
    or terms as this requires abstract
    thinking

  • Indexers distinguish between
    terms mentioned in passing,
    and terms fundamental to the
    theme or focus of the book

  
 
  • Not able to consider or
    anticipate how a reader will
    think when looking for
    information

  • Indexers consider and
    anticipate how readers will
    search for information.
    Readers see the "added value"
    of an index, resulting in
    increased book sales.
 
 
  • Not able to make cross-
    references.
  • Indexers identify relationships
    and create alternate routes for
    information access by using
    cross-references

  • "See"and "See also" cross
    references are useful navigation
    routes for the reader
  
 
  • Not able to make double-
    postings    .
  • Indexers double-posts words
    from related or synonymous
    terms to enhance access to information by the reader.
 
Copyright © 2008 Clive Pyne Book Indexing Services. All rights reserved.
  www.google.com