Purpose
Indexes are designed to help the reader find information quickly and easily. A complete and truly useful index is not simply a list of the words and phrases used in a publication (which is properly called a concordance), but an organized map of its contents, including cross-references, grouping of like concepts, and other useful intellectual analysis.
Sample back-of-the-book index excerpt:
- sage, 41-42. See also Herbs ← directing the reader to related terms
- Scarlet Sages. See Salvia coccinea ← redirecting the reader to term used in the text
- shade plants ← grouping term (may not appear in the text; may be generated by indexer)
- hosta, 93 ← subentries
- myrtle, 46
- Solomon's seal, 14
- sunflower, 47 ← regular entry
In books, indexes are usually placed near the end (this is commonly known as "BoB" or back-of-book indexing). They complement the table of contents by enabling access to information by specific subject, whereas contents listings enable access through broad divisions of the text arranged in the order they occur. It has been remarked that, while "t first glance the driest part of the book, on closer inspection the index may provide both interest and amusement from time to time."
Read more about this topic: Index (publishing)
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