Ongoing Activities

Indexes for Study -- Examine published index excerpts and compare with the text. Updated 4/2/04

Index Practice Exercises -- Practice indexing a chapter of a book and compare your results with others!

Term Selection Exercises -- pick the indexable terms/entries from sample texts and compare your answers with others.

Index Evaluation Exercises -- evaluate and provide feedback on someone else's index -- designed to improve your ability to edit or evaluate a complete index. Includes proofreading, editing, content analysis, etc...

Topic of the Week -- A brief summary of the topic of the week discussions on IndexStudents. Lots of practical advice and opinion. Search the list archives for full discussions.

New Feature! 2004
Live Indexing Discussions -- Join us at the Yahoo Groups site for live discussions with knowledgeable indexing professionals. Check the schedule.

A Community Of Indexers Committed to Continuing Education

IndexStudents is a community for all persons interested in discussing issues related to learning to index books, magazines, databases and the World Wide Web. Discussion will focus on the experiences and questions of individuals engaged in current program of instruction in indexing, including the USDA Graduate School courses in Indexing (Basic Indexing and Applied Indexing), video instruction, Society of Indexers courses, college courses, and mentoring/tutoring arrangements. In addition, the process of starting a freelance indexing business (marketing, time management, continuing education, file delivery, etc.) will also be discussed.

List membership is open to both beginning and experienced indexers, as well as course instructors. It is hoped that course instructors will be able to provide guidance to students, and help smooth the process of correspondence instruction. Experienced indexers can be instrumental in guiding beginners as well. Current list membership is 648.

Not sure if the list will be helpful to you? Read this:

"Just wanted to report that I have finished the USDA class (final and all). I want to take this opportunity to thank you, Dan, for this list!! I know that it made a difference for me in finishing the course! The wonderful posts of encouragement and inspiration got me through many hurdles!! Thank you all!! I couldn't have done it without you!! So keep on plugging along....if I can do it so can you!!!"

Sincerely, Jerry Cole

Other Links

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) -- Twenty-two comprehensive questions (with answers) asked by indexing students.

list archives

IndexStats sheet -- Here's a useful Excel spreadsheet for keeping track of all your index project statistics.