Introduction to Indexing and Abstracting (Hardcover)

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

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 book covers the field of indexing and abstracting well. It gives a clear picture of what indexers and abstracters do and it shows the value of their work.”–Journal of Documentation

“Reviews of previous editions: A useful basic treatise for those interested in the field of indexing and abstracting.”–Public Library Quarterly

“Reviews of previous editions: Invaluable to the novice, and useful for the professional as a reference source. Well presented and authoritative text.”–Aslib Information

“Reviews of previous editions: A good basis for understanding the principles of computer programs and the various online services that relate to libraries.”–Cbe Libraries --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Put your hands on the basic knowledge necessary to become a professional indexer. Based on new research and years of practical experience, the book introduces you 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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 329 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited; 2 Sub edition (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0872876772
• ISBN-13: 978-0872876774
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,948,893 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 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.