Introduction to Indexing and Abstracting [Hardcover]

Donald B. Cleveland (Author), Ana D. Cleveland (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0872876772 | ISBN-13: 978-0872876774 | Publication Date: July 1990 | Edition: 2 Sub

Based on new research and years of practical experience, this guide presents the basic knowledge necessary to become a professional indexer. Synthesizing the thinking and experience of indexers and abstractors over the years, the book introduces readers to such fundamentals as the nature of information, the organization of information, vocabulary control, types of indexes and abstracts, evaluation of indexing, and the use of computers. A new chapter on indexing and the Internet has been added, as has a chapter that lists Web resources for indexers and abstractors. The work concludes with a discussion of the education, training, and job opportunities of the profession, as well as a look to the future. With its simple but thorough approach, this book provides readers with a broad overview of the professions, processes, and art of indexing and abstracting.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

?Indeed an excellent place to start learning about this important part of information science. ...This third edition is an important addition to the information science literature.?-Information Today --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

DONALD B. CLEVELAND is Professor, School of Library and Information Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton.

ANA D. CLEVELAND is Professor, School of Library and Information Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited Inc; 2 Sub edition (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872876772
• ISBN-13: 978-0872876774
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,743,468 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to Indexing and Abstracting, June 10, 2006

By 

Barney Considine (Missoula, Montana USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Indexing and Abstracting: (Hardcover)

Every non-fiction book needs an index. It needs a good index. Everyone preparing an index should have had at least one college class on indexing. An alternative, although certainly not an equal, is to study this textbook. Prior to buying the book, I had three times failed in an attempt to index my diary. Now, two 200-page volumes are indexed and the work proceeds.

The book begins with information on the nature of indexes and a history of indexing. It moves on to two important chapters on information theory. Control of the words used in an index is imperative and there is a chapter on vocabulary control. Only then does the author introduce the types of indexes and abstracts. Here was a revelation. I knew about book indexes. National Geographic Magazine had introduced me to indexes of periodicals, and indexes combined into a single index covering decades. However, the authors of this book point out that the yellow pages are an index and that the internet is a big index. Then, there are indexes of indexes. Various government agencies churn out a flock of specialized indexes. This volume gives a variety of examples and analyzes them.

With such a universe of indexes, a novice indexer like me must sort out the material applicable to the type of index desired. That was challenging, but worthwhile. There is one thread woven throughout this volume. That is that the index is solely for the use of the target audience. It should be easy to use. It should be in the vocabulary of the user. In theory, the index should always lead the user to the information sought. Likewise, it should never lead the user to information not desired. There are several lists in the book, but the Ninety-Nine "Dos-and-Don'ts" on pages 146-149 are valuable beyond calculation.

Not only will this book help you make an index, it will make you a better user of indexes. My review has focused on indexing. I consider indexing more difficult than abstracting. However, this book will also make you a better abstractor.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indexing & Abstracting, September 24, 2009

By 

David W. Dunkerton "Dunk" (Beckley, WV) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Indexing and Abstracting: (Hardcover)

This is one textbook that I find really useful. It explains the principles behind indexing with good examples, and the glossary in the back is most helpful.

5.0 out of 5 stars westie, November 28, 2011

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westie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Indexing and Abstracting: (Hardcover)

Book received was in very good condition. Book itself is a very good resource I enjoyed reading the content which as explained very well by the Clevelands. A must have book for future librarians.