Index Checklist

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Index Checklist

Decide on the Indexing Methodology

For your index, which methodology will you use?

q     Manual:  working by hand using page proofs

 

q     Electronic: using tools provided by the word processing or publishing software

Decide What to Index

Which of the following elements will you include in your index?

q     Commands and functions

q     Concepts relevant to user actions

q     User synonyms for program terms

q     Glossary terms

q     Proper names of products and companies

q     Tasks and procedures

Identify the Level of Detail

How many levels do you plan to include in your index?

q     One level

q     Two levels

q     Three levels

How many indexable items do you plan to do for each page (on the average)?

q     Light index

q     Medium index

q     Heavy index

2 to 3 items per page

5 to 7 items per page

8 to 9 items per page

Decide on Phrasing and Format

Which of the following format options do you plan to use?

q     Cues for primary locator numbers

q     Capitalization of terms

q     “Sentence-like” entries

q     Cues for special terms

Build and Proofread

Proofread and check the index for the following items:

q     Page references (spot check)

q     Cross-references (spot check)

q     Review terms with users

q     Correct inconsistencies

q     Add missing references

q     Combine entries

q     Create double postings

q     Eliminate needless subentries

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