The Definitive Reference Shelf for Indexers--Part 1

It seems most indexers are "bookworms." They love books--the library's and particularly their own. It's natural, then, for new indexers to wonder what type of reference books they need to get started in indexing.

The definitive answer is quite short: the single most important book for a new indexer's reference shelf is a good dictionary.

I like Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. It lists more than just the meaning of a word. It lists the word's history, stylistic label (i.e., slang), homographs, inflectional cross-reference, equal variant, primary and secondary stress, synonymous cross-references and paragraphs, alternate pronunciations, verbal illustrations, usage notes, functional label (i.e., noun, verb), and more.

When you look up a word, you don't just get the meaning. You get an education.

When it comes to where your dollars should be spent, I don't recommend skimping on the dictionary in order to purchase another book. Your dictionary will be the most used book on your shelf. Get a very, very good one. You will find in indexing that you haven't a clue what the author is talking about. It's times like this a good dictionary can save you.

The second book I would recommend is a style book, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, in the current editon. When you are just starting out in indexing, you will pulling together letters, marketing packages, and e-mails.

You need to know the correct, current rules of style. For instance, years ago in the typewriter age, people used to put two spaces after periods. While habits are hard to break, if you do this in your written communications, it says that you are out-of-touch with today's styles. Even specific company house-styles (where you may be currently working) may not be in line with current publisher's styles.

Publishers know what today's style is. So should you.

Read your style book as thoroughly as you would a book on indexing. Written communications are critical to indexers.

The third publication reference book would be a decent thesaurus. It can be used for getting "just the right term" when you are working on an index.

In summary, first purchase a very, very good dictionary. After that, purchase a style book. Then, a good thesaurus. Next week, we'll look at some tips to evaluate a dictionary.

article written by Dawn Spencer

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