Indexing
An index is a quick reference tool that helps readers to locate useful information within text, be it a book, document, website or record. Taken as a whole, it provides a condensed overview of the text’s content and scope.
The process of indexing is an intellectual exercise that involves a full topical analysis of the text, and then creating a conceptual map that that will make significant content directly accessible to the reader. To do this, the indexer must anticipate the needs and search methods of the reader while interpreting the meaning and purpose of the author in an objective manner. Consistency must be maintained as topical information is grouped into entries and sub-entries, and cross-references created to form connections between interrelated entries.
This is not a task that can be performed by a computer, as no artificial intelligence has yet been created that actually understands language and can interpret nuance.
Black Cat Indexing has a special interest in creating indexes for web sites and the back-of-the-book.