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.

No matter what you want to learn about abstracting or indexing, this guide will help you find out where to learn it. Library professionals, online information designers, abstractor and indexer freelancers, and publishers' staffs can all find courses that suit their needs in the Directory. Included are courses from public, private, and proprietary institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

A keyword listing of serial titles currently received by the National Library of Medicine.