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What is an Index?

The Penguin Encyclopedia explains indexing as: "the compiling of systemic guides to the location of words, names and concepts in books and other publications. An index consists of a list of entries, each of which comprises a heading together with any qualifying phrase and/or subheadings, and at least one page reference or cross-reference. Individual judgment and sensitivity are essential for producing an index that is effective and a pleasure to read."

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines index as "an alphabetical list of names, subjects etc. along with references, usually found at the end of the book."

Historically, the term "index" goes back to ancient Rome. An index was the title slips attached to papyrus scrolls on which the titles of the works and authors were written so that each scroll could be easily identified on storage shelves.

The index anticipates the reader's viewpoint by providing entries that are worded and
structured so as to be useful to those who are less familiar with the topic than the author thereby giving readers quick and efficient access to the text.

"[An index] provides a gateway to ideas and information that is accessible to others. An index, whether it appears in the back of a book or on a CD-ROM is a knowledge structure. Access to information is the added value the indexer brings to the material."
Source: Nancy C. Mulvany, Indexing of Books.

While readers can use the table of contents to get an overview of what a document contains, a good quality index guides readers to specific pieces of information. Indexes need to accommodate the needs of different readers, whether general, students, researchers or scholars. If the index entries are specific and concise, then the index will be a very effective "finding" tool. A good index increases book sales.

 

Stephen Leacock: "A really good index will in most cases itself give the information wanted."

John Ruskin: It is easy enough to make an index, as it is to make a broom of odds and ends, as rough as oat straw; but to make an index tied up tight, and that will seep well into the corners, isn't so easy."