=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 10:08:46 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Daniel Wu <dwu@netcom.com>
Subject: Automated indexing
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
<warning - L O N G>
This note is being crossposted to The Well, INDEX-L, and AOL.
Just recently joined the ASI. Yesterday I received
the ASI newsletter Key Words. I find the controversy
over Indexicon interesting. I have not read the review
by Mulvany and Milstead and wished I have. Maybe I'll
call up ASI to send me a back-issue or something.
My background is in Computer Science and Linguistics.
Thought people might be interested in one person's
view on computer automation.
I have to deal with this issue professionally at work since we are
always trying to look for more efficient ways to do things.
We try to automate when it make sense.
Software development is probably the only field that has
the ultimate goal of putting itself and everybody else
out of business :) . I mean the ultimate software is
that it will write all other software. We would not need
software developers anymore.
Actually I do have some work experience in
using high level code generator (C in this case) and
it is interesting. Given all these automations that is
going on within software developement, I am not really
worry in terms of software develeper being out of a
job. The reason is that the automation problem is very
complex and at some point it will require certain human
understanding. Trying to teach a computer to understand is
a real pain.
I still remember one of the things my Computer Science Prof
said one time, it goes something like "What computers are
good at, humans are not good at; what humans are good at,
computers are not good at." The example was that it is much
easier for us to learn to comprehend a language than to learn to speak
it. However, it is much easier to teach a computer to speak a
language than to teach it to understand a language. Given this
lesson and trying to automate things at work, I personally have
certain computer automation philosophy.
The first point in my computer automation philosophy is that one
should try to automate anything that is mechanical or
repeatitive in nature. These are the things that computers are
good at but humans are not too good at (tend to get bored, or
make mistakes, tend to feel like a machine and is dehumanizing
if a person do these kind of things for too long). Actually if a
person feel like s/he is a machine doing certain aspect of a
job, a machine probably should do it if possible.
The second point is that things that require thinking and understanding
should not be automated. First on all, current state of technology does
not in general do a decent job in automated thinking and understanding.
But let just for argument sake that it is possible within our lifetime
to have computer really think and understanding, then the question is
should it be done? My position in this hypothetical situation is that
it should not be done. Reason is that these are some of the things that
make work interesting, and even enjoyable. Automation should replace
the aspect of work that is not interesting and not enjoyable.
The third point is that computers research and development should
be in the direction of helping us understand and think. Not do
the thinking and understanding for us.
Actually if computer could one day do everything (i.e. understand and
think), then the ASI will have lots of allies because computers will
not only replace indexers, but it will replace proofreaders and editors.
My goodness, it will even replace CEOs of every company
and the congress (which may or may not be bad), and the
president, and all the judges. If that were to happened, it would
be illegal for a computer to think and understand because the congress
will pass a fed law making it illegal (so they won't lose their jobs).
So what does it all means for indexing? I think the following
classes of tools may meet the three points I outlined:
-- Any tools that do away with the mechanical aspect of indexing.
-- Any tools that help an indexer to understand a book, an article,
a data base. I think tools in this category is especially helpful
for very large books or data bases because we just can't remember
that many things.
-- Any tools that can either teach or help teach a beginner indexing course.
These tools will give the instrutors more time and as a result
can concentrate on teaching the more advance courses which computers
will have problem teaching.
-- Tools to help evaulate an index. This may not be possible if it involves
understanding. It may be possible for only the mechanical part of the
evaluation like are you following the requested format.
-- Any tools that help speed up the indexing process AND improve quality
at the same time.
Let's see, what else? Oh yes, tools to help us negotiate a good
fee with the editors. Now of course, editors will have their
negotiating tools also :) .
I can just see this happening, I put my indexing negotiating software
against my editor negotiating software. And if I am not happy
with the result (the editor just upgraded his/her software), I go
manual and negotiate with the editor's software myself and get a
good deal. Now the editor is not happy, so s/he also go manual and start
negotiating with me ... what fun. Maybe we should all stop
indexing and go into negotiateing software.
--
================================================================
= Daniel Wu danwu@acm.org =
= "If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, =
= it will be taken as a curse" Proverbs 27:14 =
================================================================
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 10:10:05 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Daniel Wu <dwu@netcom.com>
Subject: Information Mapping
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
<this note is being cross-posted to The Well, INDEX-L, and
AOL>
Information mapping -- I swear I saw this term in one of
item that ASI gave me when I signed up for its membership.
Maybe it was in the Key Words Nov/Dec 1994 somewhere, but
I couldn't find it.
Anyway, maybe indexer should be call information mappers.
Reason? Well, when I tell a few close friends of mine, my
brothers, and my manager about me thinking of going into
indexing, I get a few interesting responses which some of
you might have experienced.
* Indexing? Something to do with Wall Street?
* Indexing? Why? Computers can do that.
* Huh????
* Why would anyone like to do a crazy thing like that?
I can live with most responses except the response of
people who thinks they know what indexing is and it is
easy and boreing to do.
That is why I am throwing out this crazy idea of renameing
the indexing profession to something else, like information
mappers for instance. This term is beginning to warm on me
because it has such a high sounding tone to it (wow, sound real
academic), it has certain kind of mystery (what the heck is it?),
and most important -- people would NOT assumed they know what
it is (as oppose to indexing where some people automatically
assumed they know what it is, how to do it, and how easy and
boreing it it). Now the next trick is to describe the indexing,
eh... I mean information mapping profession in such a way without
ever use the term indexing. Any ideas?
I must be getting tired to think of crazy things like this, pardon me.
--
================================================================
= Daniel Wu danwu@acm.org =
= "If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, =
= it will be taken as a curse" Proverbs 27:14 =
================================================================
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 10:17:25 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: RachelR@aol.com
Subject: Re: Cindex review & related issues
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Hi
I'm new to the list and to indexing (just now taking the USDA course). I have
my first indexing assignment already but the page proofs won't be ready until
February. I'm nervous but I'll cope. Any advice to a beginner will be greatly
appreciated.
I was glad to read the post about Cindex and from Dave Gertler.
>Would any of you be interested in my posting the article
here?
Dave, I would be very interested and appreciative.
I'm just now looking into which software program I should buy, an especially
tough decision since I have a Macintosh. Does anyone know of any Mac indexing
software? Otherwise I will buy SoftPC so I can run DOS porgrams on the Mac,
but I don't know DOS so it will be time consuming.
I'm looking forward to reading this list. I hope everyone has a nice
holiday.
Rachel Rice (Martha's Vineyard)
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 10:20:30 ECT
Reply-To: ab190@freenet.carleton.ca
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: "Richard W. Woodley" <ab190@freenet.carleton.ca>
Subject: THE IRS THANKS YOU
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
NO! Not for paying your taxes.
The Index and Reference Service (IRS) of the House of Commons
(Canada) thanks all those indexers who sent congratulations to Harry on
his retirement. We would like to share with you our parting song to Harry
(in the spirit of the season).
Ode to Harry
(tune: Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
In Hansard you'll read about Preston and Lucien.
There's Audrey and Sheila and, of course Jean Chretien.
And how will you recall
the most obscure speeches of all?
Harry the Hansard Indexer.
He's been reading them for years.
Harry's been making notes
while the rest of us were bored to tears.
When Crosbie called Sheila, "Baby",
or Fulton brought that fish for Brian's lunch,
or when the Tories stormed the Chair,
Harry surely knows the bunch!
But do not think his knowledge ends
with things so Parliamentary.
With history, computers and trivia,
he has great propensity.
Harry, we'll really miss you.
Things won't be quite the same.
At break we'll kill ourselves remembering
the Beaver's second-cousin's name.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
--
************* Richard W. Woodley (ab190@freenet.carleton.ca.)**************
| National Capital Freenet Information Provider ("go brhlc") |
| Bridlewood Residents Hydro Line Committee EMF Information Service |
****************** "Communicate Globally - Act Locally"********************
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 10:22:36 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Candy Schwartz <CSCHWARTZ@VMSVAX.SIMMONS.EDU>
Subject: Documentation Abstracts Inc. Research Grant
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Cross-posted to CHMINF-L, LITA-L, ACRL, ALCTS, ASIS-L, CDROM-L
DOCDIS, ELEASAI, INDEX-L, JESSE, LIBREF-L, LIS-L, PACS-L, VIFLIS
and LIBRES
DOCUMENTATION ABSTRACTS, INC.
Board of Directors
DOCUMENTATION ABSTRACTS INC. (DAI) ANNOUNCES THE INFORMATION
SCIENCE ABSTRACTS (ISA) RESEARCH GRANT
NEW YORK, N.Y., December 1 -- The Board of Directors of Documentation
Abstracts Inc. (DAI) announces it will award annually the Information Science
Abstracts (ISA) Research Grant of $1,000 to one or more information
professionals to conduct a research project oriented toward the study of the
primary or secondary literature of information science.
Documentation Abstracts Inc. is owner/sponsor of the monthly abstracting
and indexing publication, Information Science Abstracts (ISA), published for
DAI by Plenum Publishing Corporation. International in scope, ISA provides
references to and abstracts of the useful literature in the fields of
information science and library science dating back to 1966. Its coverage
extends to journal articles from over 300 journals, to conference proceedings,
books, reports and patents. The entire file is available for searching via
Dialog File 202 and on Silver Platter CD-ROM.
All applicants for the ISA Research Grant must be information professionals
and hold a graduate degree in library science or information science. No
individuals who are associated with ISA are eligible. This includes members
of the Board of Directors of DAI, employees of Plenum Publishing Corporation,
Silver Platter, and Dialog.
Applicants must submit a completed application package by June 30, 1995
outlining the scope and nature of the proposed project, providing evidence of
an established methodology and a viable research design. Examples of possible
topics for research include the use of information resources, comparison of
tools, quality of the literature, and bibliometric analysis. The goal of the
research must be to produce a publishable paper.
Half the amount of the $1,000 grant will be paid upon announcement of the
award and the balance will be paid upon successful completion of the research
project. In addition to the cash award, access to ISA CD-ROM will be provided
for the length of the grant.
CONTACT: For further information and for application instructions,
Taissa Kusma, Vice-Chair of Documentation Abstracts Inc.,
Director, Electronic Publishing, American Insitute of Physics,
500 Sunnyside Boulevard, Woodbury, NY 11797, 516/576-2260,
Taissa@aip.org FAX 516/576-2499
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 10:23:37 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Julie Means <mjmeans@llwcny.ll.pbs.org>
Subject: software for the mac
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Is there currently available indexing software for the Macintosh? And if
so, what do indexers think of it? Sorry if this has been a recent
question;I've been having trouble receiving email off and on and may
have missed some postings.
Also, during a recent indexing project, I ran across a question to which I
could find no answers in my indexing texts. In this book, there were a
large number of captions to photographs, and within the text of the
captions, there were people, etc. (main entries) which were NOT pictured in
the figure. I que{tioned whether to index them as part of the rest of the
text on the page (i.e., p. 255, for example), or as part of the figure
(i.e., Fig. 25.4), even though they did not appear in the photograph. In
one case, the user might be disappointed that the entry did not appear in
the photo; in the other case, the user might even be unable to find the
entry if he/she did not consider the text to the figure. Any advice?
Thanks for your help!
Julie Means
MJMEANS@WCNY.LL.PBS.ORG
--
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Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 10:27:46 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: "Neva J. Smith" <njsmith@bga.com>
Subject: Indexable names (fwd)
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
The following verse was from the art and architectural historians.
Thought y'all would like it.
Neva
> = - * - = < = > = - * - = < = > = - * - = < = > = - * - = < =
Neva J. Smith, MLIS DataSmiths Information Services
PO Box 2157 / Round Rock, TX 78680
email: njsmith@bga.com
voice: (512) 244-2767 Editor, _Library Currents_
PO Box 2199 / Round Rock, TX 78680
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 24 Dec 1994 16:21:37 -0500
From: "Robert A. Baron" <rabaron@PIPELINE.COM>
Subject: Art History lite
Sender: CONSORTIUM OF ART AND ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIANS <CAAH@PUCC.BITNET>
To: Multiple recipients of list CAAH <CAAH@PUCC.BITNET>
Reply-to: CONSORTIUM OF ART AND ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIANS <CAAH@PUCC.BITNET>
Message-id: <01HL11WGUQOYXLW672@ACFcluster.NYU.EDU>
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
CAAH readers:
As long as posts of the holiday season have turned to some of
the lighter moments of the profession, I'll take this
opportunity to offer you a poem that might be called an Art
Historian's Kvetch. It is based on a piece you all know.
Apologies go out to those of you on museum-l who already read
it, and, of course, to Mr. Eliot.
OLD POSSUM'S ART REFERENCE TOOL, ver 1.0
(with apologies to Peter, Augustus, Alonzo and James).
The naming of artists is a difficult matter,
Not just one of your ordinary games,
For every artist (would you believe all my jabber?)
Must have three (or more) indexable names.
First there's the name that his dear mother gave him,
Such as Christo, Guercino, or the Master of the Thames,
Such as El Greco, Fa Presto, or the School of John Nagy.
All of them clear, unambiguous names.
There are names used by friends and patrons in contracts,
On certificates of death, and on the tax rolls.
This is the stuff dissertations are made of,
So many, intriguing, so we may dispose
of them by noting that Janson and Hartt and Gardner
never pruned them for indexing in their prepared prose.
An artist, however, needs a name that's particular,
A name that's peculiar, that makes him unique,
A name he can use for his entire oeuvre,
And needn't change more than thrice in a week.
Of these, there are many, but a few will suffice,
Such as Breughel, Bassano, Ostade or whatshisname, Smythe?
By signing these to a corner of canvas,
He can be assured of everlasting fame,
As battalions of scholars battle ad infinitum
Attempting to attribute a hand to a name.
But above and beyond, there is one name left over.
And this is the name that you never will guess,
The name that no human research can discover.
It is the name that the indexer chose to index.
So when you notice a scholar in rapt contemplation,
A book or a screen eye to eye with his brain,
The reason, I warrant, is not due to his genius,
Not due to his thought or to thinking's long train,
But owes to reasons not wholly mysterious.
The truth, sad to tell, is ineluctably plain:
His mind is engaged in quizzed meditation,
Attempting to remember, recall or dissever
The thought from the thought from the thought of that name,
That damnable, F-able, ever ineffable,
Now so inscrutable, indexable name.
______________________________________
Robert A. Baron
Museum Computer Consultant
P.O. Box 93, Larchmont, NY 10538
rabaron@pipeline.com
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 13:36:33 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Charlotte Skuster <cskuster@library.lib.binghamton.edu>
Subject: Dave Gertler's Cindex review article
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Here is my Cindex article, which many of you were kind
enough to request. It is about 19,000 characters; I'll
let Charlotte decide whether and how to divide it into
pieces. I'd be glad to receive any comments on it.
Dave Gertler (dgertler@ssnet.com)
NOTES
This article appeared in the _Seybold Report on Publishing
Systems,_ Volume 24, Number 7 (December 12, 1994). It is
reproduced here with permission from Seybold Publications. I
retyped it by hand, so any typos you find are my fault. I have
used underlines to indicate _italic_ text; single asterisks to
indicate *bold lead-ins*; double asterisks to indicate **bold
subheads**; and triple asterisks to indicate the ***article
title***. There were seven illustrations (screen shots) and
accompanying captions, which I have not reproduced here.
Seybold Publications' newsletters are viewed worldwide as the
journals of record in their fields. They are scrupulously
impartial and contain no advertising. Seybold also holds important
seminars and trade shows focusing on electronic publishing
technology, and its staff consultants are engaged by many
developers and users of this technology. [The wording of this plug
hasn't been seen or approved by Seybold officers; I just wanted to
make sure that readers of this article knew something about the
firm that published it. --DG]
For information about, and/or sample copies of, the _Seybold
Report on Publishing Systems_ (22 issues/year), the _Seybold
Report on Desktop Publishing_ (monthly), or _Digital Media: A
Seybold Report_ (monthly), call Seybold Publications (Media,
Pennsylvania) at (610) 565-6864 or send a fax to (610) 565-1858.
ARTICLE
***Cindex: Simplifying the Production Of Indexes Using a PC***
Many subscribers use our _Reports_ as both current news sources
and reference works. You can find out about a cutting-edge
technology or a hot merger rumor. You can also look back at an
issue from last month, last year or, in the case of the _Seybold
Report on Publishing Systems,_ 1971. Maybe you're looking for a
quarterly financial report, or maybe you're researching the
history of phototypesetting. Whatever the motivation, readers
often tell us that back issues of the _Seybold Reports_ are a
treasure-trove of information.
But it's hard to find treasure without a good map. That's why we
publish annual indexes to our _Reports._
How do we create these indexes? By engaging freelance workers.
They face a daunting task: distilling hundreds of pages of
technical reporting into a condensed, easily used reference. To do
so, they must spend long hours culling and organizing long lists
of topics and page references.
One of our contributing editors has been indexing _Seybold
Reports_ for several years. Until this year, he had used XyWrite
-- a fast and powerful word processor, to be sure, but a program
not oriented toward the special demands of indexing.
Enter Leverage Technologies (known informally as LevTech). At
Seybold San Francisco in October 1993, this software
sales-integration-consulting firm took a booth to show Cindex, a
DOS-compatible indexing program developed by Indexing Research
(Rochester, NY). LevTech markets Cindex to corporate accounts,
while Indexing Research handles direct sales to single users.
LevTech also sells utilities that enhance Cindex's operation in
various ways, from importing indexes in other formats to
automating production of multiple indexes.
LevTech asked us to give Cindex a try, and we agreed.
Our contributing editor recently indexed a year's worth of the
_Seybold Report on Desktop Publishing,_ as well as the _Seybold
Special Reports_ covering the 1993 San Francisco show and the 1994
Seybold Seminars in Boston. Here are his insights into the
advantages of indexing software in general and Cindex in
particular.
**Overview**
LevTech sent us a copy of Cindex 5.1 last fall. In the spring, we
got the new version, 6.0, a substantial improvement over earlier
ones. Cindex 6.0, Extended Edition, sells for $625; a more limited
version is available for freelance indexers, but the Extended
Edition is the corporate standard.
Currently, Cindex runs only under DOS, though Indexing Research is
working on Windows and Macintosh versions. On a '486DX2/66 with 8
MB of RAM, Cindex obeyed most commands almost instantaneously,
though, with a large index, a few required us to wait for as much
as half a minute. (In those exceptional cases, the bottleneck was
apparently caused by the hard disk rather than the processor.)
Cindex has so many features it would be impossible to cover them
all, so we will stick to the basic ones here. There are plenty of
advanced ones for editing selected groups of records, renumbering
pages, automating tasks, and so on.
**Index-card metaphor**
Cindex is based on the metaphor of index cards, the medium that
most indexers are accustomed to using. Each index entry, or
"record," occupies a separate space within the index's data file,
though records with the same topic heading are grouped on the
screen.
Commands are typed in or entered with function keys that
correspond to a modifiable set of commands. You can step backward
through the ten most recently used commands. Cindex can execute
single DOS commands entered on the command line, and it provides a
DOS shell for more extensive use.
Each record can contain up to 2,000 characters, arranged in up to
15 levels of headings and subheadings. When an index is started,
Cindex asks you to estimate the number of characters that the
longest record will contain. The program creattes that much disk
storage for each record, no matter how many characters the record
actually contains, so you can keep the file smaller by specifying
a relatively small maximum record size. You can change this
maximum size at any time, which will cause the file to be
rewritten to disk.
While working, you can back up an index by typing "write." The
backup file contains only the actual text entered into records and
is therefore much smaller than the stored index file.
You can have multiple indexes open at once. Indexes can be
combined or split into parts.
Context-sensitive help is available at all times. A user who needs
more assistance can call the firm that sold the program or post a
message on the "Indexing with Cindex" message board in the
Writers' Forum on America Online.
**Creating, editing and deleting records**
To add a record, typing "add" splits the screen into a lower
record-entry area and an upper listing of recently entered
records. It is easy to scroll up to a previous record, then either
edit or duplicate it and make changes to the new copy.
Hitting the enter key creates a new level of subhead. Tabbing
drops the cursor one line; this is how you reach the page
reference line. Key combinations are used to move to the start or
end of a line, or to the previous or next record. The page-up and
page-down keys move the index up or down one screenful; there is
no way to move immediately to the start or end of an index (though
"show A" moves the display to the first record starting with A,
generally at or near the top of the index).
To delete a record, you type "delete" and its record number. The
record is marked with an asterisk, but it is still retained in the
file and displayed (though it wouldn't be printed) until you use
the command "squeeze." That command physically deletes the marked
records and rewrites the index file into contiguous blocks on
disk.
**Sorting records**
Index records can be viewed in alphabetical order or in the order
in which the records were entered. With the former, a record, upon
entry, is automatically alphabetized within the existing records.
*Alphabetization.* Cindex lets you choose simple, letter-by-letter
or word-by-word alphabetization. "Simple" rules look at all
characters, including the slashes that Cindex uses to indicate
character formatting (bold, italic and so forth). The difference
between letter-by-letter and word-by-word alphabetizing is
illustrated in this example:
<bullet> Letter-by-letter rules put "ColorAge" before "Color
Central," since A comes before C.
<bullet> Word-by-word rules put "Color Central" before "ColorAge,"
since they compare only the first word of each, in which case
"Color" comes before "ColorAge."
*Ignoring words.* You can create a list of words that Cindex will
ignore in alphabetizing subheads. (Words to be ignored in headings
must be coded by hand.) The default list contains mostly articles
(a, an, the) and prepositions (at, for, on, to, etc.).
This feature can produce strange sortings; for instance, the
subheading "to be reexamined" preceded the subheading "claimed"
because "to" was ignored but "be" wasn't. Like some other Cindex
features, this one becomes more powerful as you gain experience
and add to the exceptions list.
*Numbers.* Alphabetizing of numbers is tricky. You can specify
whether or not Cindex should evaluate numbers. If it does, it will
sort them from least to greatest; if not, it will ignore them
(meaning that "80486 licensed" would come before "80386
released").
A larger problem occurs when a term that contains a numeral should
be indexed as if the numeral were spelled out. The only way to
make Cindex sort 68000 as if it were spelled out is to type
"{sixty eight thousand}68000."
It would be nice if the program were smart enough to suggest how a
numeral should be spelled; you could be asked to confirm the
spelling. Perhaps a switch could be set that would determine
whether the default spelling would be, for instance, "one thousand
nine hundred ninety-four," "nineteen hundred ninety-four" or
"nineteen ninety-four."
*Spelling checker.* Cindex comes with a standard Microlytics
spelling checker. Legal and medical dictionary add-ons are
available separately.
**Output to word processors or printers**
All or part of an index can be printed on a dot-matrix or laser
printer. Cindex doesn't support PostScript, and its direct
printing feature can produce only monospaced output. Hence, to get
a more realistic proof or better final output, you must export the
index file and import it into another program.
Cindex can write RTF files or formatted files for use with Ventura
Publisher, WordPerfect, WordStar or XyWrite. It can generate (and
read) several types of database files. It can also create files
with University of Chicago Press coding or American Association of
Publishers (AAP) SGML tags; the SGML file could be used to publish
the index in electronic form. A user could also set up custom
markup code tables to produce output in a different format.
**Advantages of this technology**
Anyone who needs to make an index has to decide what tool to use.
Some of today's word processors, such as WordPerfect, offer
built-in indexing. The user creates a list of terms; the program
then builds an index listing the pages on which those terms occur.
While this approach automates indexing, the result is likely to be
inadequate unless the original document was quite short or simple.
Professional indexers are expert at deciding which mentions of a
term are worth noting and which aren't; they can also determine
when a related idea is being discussed without the mention of that
precise term. A word processor's indexing feature falls short in
both areas.
You might be tempted instead to do what we used to do: simply type
index entries into a word processor while paging through the
document. If so, it is for you that we present the following list
of Cindex's advantages and disadvantages in comparison with using
your word processor. These comparisons apply specifically to
XyWrite, but most of them also apply to other typical word
processors.
Here are some of Cindex's major advantages.
<bullet> Data are kept in a structural form, making reformatting
and reuse easier.
<bullet> Each record exists as a separate entry. This means, for
instance, that you don't have to scroll to a heading before making
an entry that uses that heading. (Word processors can alphabetize
lines of text, but they can't alphabetize multiline index
entries.)
<bullet> Entries can be arranged in many ways, including
alphabetically, by page number or chronologically (so you can edit
records that were created around the same time as any chosen one).
<bullet> To speed redundant entry, you can create a list of
abbreviations that, when typed, are automatically converted into
full terms. (Some word processors and third-party utilities
provide similar features.)
<bullet> Cross-references can be checked. Cindex can verify that
there are no circular cross-references (entries where each merely
refers to the other); ensure that there are at least a specifice
number of entries under a heading that is referred to; and tell
you which entries have cross-references made to them.
<bullet> Indexes can be combined automatically, a painstaking
manual task in a word processor.
<bullet> The "join" function can turn all records containing
unique headings into single lines that use commas as separators.
In other words, all entries such as
Smith, Egbert
letter to editor, 8:23
(which is poor indexing style if there are no other entries for
Egbert Smith) could be converted into this form:
Smith, Egbert, letter to editor, 8:23
<bullet> Page references can be globally "conflated" -- _i.e.,_ if
one record gives a reference for page 43 and another refers to the
same topic appearing on pages 44 and 45, the combined reference
would be changed from 43, 44-45 to 43-45.
Word processors may be easier to use (and more familiar to their
users), but a program such as Cindex is still the obvious choice
for any but the smallest, simplest indexes.
**A pro's perspective**
To get an even more informed perspective on Cindex, we spoke with
Dick Evans of Infodex Indexing Services in Raleigh, NC. A veteran
of nearly three decades at IBM, Evans was a human-factors engineer
specializing in testing software and its documentation, including
indexes, for ease of use.
Evans has been a professional indexer and technical writer for the
last two years, and he's one of the most active contributors to
the indexing message boards on America Online. While at IBM, he
created indexes with IBM's BookMaster software, which lets the
user embed entries directly in the document being indexed.
Asked about Cindex, Evans stated, "I couldn't work without it and
would not hesitate to recommend it, though there are some things I
would change if I could. Cindex is very powerful and automates a
lot of the manual effort that used to be involved in indexing, but
it is DOS-based and command-driven and, like any command
interface, can make demands on your ability to remember the
commands and their syntax."
Evans described version 6 as "much improved" over earlier
versions, and he is eager to see the Windows version in the works,
which should make it even easier. "In particular," he said, "I'd
like to see easier search-replace pattern-matching operations. On
the other hand, it is very good at sorting, adding new records,
editing existing records, adjusting page numbers, and a host of
other important features."
Evans recommends trying the demo version of Cindex, available for
$30. While it can't check spelling and can only save a small
number of records, the demo is otherwise fully functional, so
prospective users can sample Cindex's power and interface.
**Competitors**
Cindex isn't the only fish in the indexing software sea. Its chief
competitor, Macrex, also boasts a devoted following.
Originally conceived in the UK on the CP/M platform, Macrex is now
a DOS program, currently on version 6.25. It is marketed in North
America by Bayside Indexing Service (Daly City, CA;
Macrex@aol.com). The list price is $495. A demo version is
available for $50 (applicable toward the full version's price).
It's hard to summarize the differences between Cindex and Macrex;
their feature lists and user interfaces are quite different, and
each offers utilities that add extra power. We hope to take a
closer look at Macrex soon. Until then, if you're looking for
dedicated indexing software, try the demo versions of each.
*Automatic indexing.* A latecomer to this battlefield is
Indexicon, a controversial program from Iconovex Corp.
(Bloomington, MN). Controversial? Indeed. Iconovex caused an
uproar in the professional indexing community by seeming to tout
Indexicon, which can analyze a WordPerfect or Microsoft Word
document and produce an index automatically, as a replacement for
human indexers.
After a scathing review in the American Society of Indexers
newsletter, _Key Words,_ Iconovex's president publicly apologized
for "errors in communications" and stated that Indexicon was not
intended "to replace professional indexers." Its purpose, he
wrote, is "to create a quality index in areas where professional
human indexing is not feasible or required or where professional
indexing will be used to edit the final product."
Our own review reached a similar conclusion. We remain skeptical
that natural-language document analysis is sophisticated enough
now to produce a professional-quality index of a typical document.
It sounds like a tool to be used to turn out a quick, informal
index when human indexers are unavailable.
Incidentally, the American Society of Indexers is a good resource
for anyone who wants more information about indexing. Send E-mail
to ASI@well.sf.ca.us or call (512) 749-4052.
**Our impression**
Overall, Cindex is typical of old-fashioned DOS programs with
proprietary interfaces. It seemed clunky at first; as we mastered
its commands, though, its power shone.
There's still plenty of room for improvement, especially in its
user interface. We'd also like to see a WYSIWYG screen preview and
richer printing features (both of which we expect from the
upcoming Windows version); an easier way to alphabetize entries
that begin with numerals; and a way to adjust or turn off a short
buzzing tone that alerts you to a line with mismatched
parentheses.
We also had one specific complaint about Cindex's XyWrite output.
The XyWrite file it created used word spaces, rather than tabs, to
indent subheadings. (You can override this default by entering
codes somewhere in the program, but it strikes us as a silly
default.)
These quibbles do not, however, change our overall assessment of
dedicated indexing software. Now that we've found Cindex, we've
sworn off using word processors for indexing.
David Gertler
[At the end, there is a box containing contact information for
Leverage Technologies (E-mail: daveream@aol.com) and Indexing
Research (ircindex@aol.com). I won't bother listing addresses,
phone numbers and faxes here. DG]
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 3 Jan 1995 15:57:00 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Carol Roberts <Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com>
Subject: Re: software for the mac
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Hi, Julie and Rachel. I'm a relatively new indexer, but I'll offer my two
cents. I'm a Mac-head, too. Since I refuse to switch (back) to IBM, I had
to face this issue, too. I've been doing indexes in MS Word for about two
years now. Although it's true that you have to do manually many of the
useful things Cindex and Macrex do automatically, still, it's manageable.
I'm still torn between buying SoftPC and Cindex and holding out for the Mac
version of Cindex, which is supposed to be in the works (but I've not heard
a release date). Since I'm managing with MS Word and developing techniques
for doing things quickly, I'm not highly motivated to shell out some $400
for software not written for the Mac (and having to buy SoftPC to run it).
Rachel, good luck with that project in February. The best advice I can give
is (1) don't worry too much about software for now; just concentrate on the
principles of good indexing, (2) read at least a couple of chapters before
marking any terms, and (3) try to relax and enjoy it, exuding confidence,
if possible (tall order, I know). Every great indexer had a first
assignment.
Cheers,
Carol Roberts, indexer and copy editor | Live long and prosper.
Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com |
Milwaukee, WI |
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 13:08:37 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Daniel Wu <dwu@netcom.com>
Subject: What do you tell your friends about indexing?
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Well, bad news. Being new at indexing, have no idea
that "information mapping" is a register trademark. Guess
we can't use it. How about a different term (and then ASI
or whatever indexing society will trade mark it).
Just curious, what do people tell their friends when
they are asked what they do? Have the ASI, or other
national indexing organizations a list of "creative"
answers that we can give out?
--
================================================================
= Daniel Wu danwu@acm.org =
= "If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, =
= it will be taken as a curse" Proverbs 27:14 =
================================================================
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 13:09:18 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: REVANS4509@aol.com
Subject: Re: index-l message
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
If you are not already aware of it, there is an active community of indexers
in the Writers area of America Online. There you will find Cindex users as
well as the tech support folder for Cindex. I believe you will find folks
who use Cindex on a Mac under a DOS emulator.
Whatever you decide to use, please don't wait until the proofs are in your
hands to begin learning your software. Cindex has an excellent demo package
for under $50. You can practice until the last minute then order the full
package when you receive your proofs. The whole price is about $500 and the
demo price counts toward the purchase price.
Dick Evans
Infodex Indexing Services
Raleigh, NC
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 16:00:39 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Shore Editorial Services <LSHORE@paladin.iusb.indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: software for the mac
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Regarding your question about people, etc. mentioned in captions but
not shown in pictures, I've dealt with that same issue in the past by
treating them as if they were in the picture--that is, indexing them
as caption material. If they're indexed as text, readers won't know to
look in the caption for them. The root of the problem is with the
author: why discuss in captions entities that aren't shown in the
photograph? Regards, Lys Shore (indexer of scholarly books)
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 16:01:05 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Shore Editorial Services <LSHORE@paladin.iusb.indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: Indexable names (fwd)
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Thanks for posting the artist-name poem! It's marvelous, and all too
true. Lys Shore
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 16:01:42 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Shore Editorial Services <LSHORE@paladin.iusb.indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: What do you tell your friends about indexing?
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I tell people I'm an analytical indexer, that I prepare analytical indexes
for scholarly books. That usually satisfies them. Cheers, L. Shore
=========================================================================
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 16:36:46 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Charlotte Skuster <cskuster@library.lib.binghamton.edu>
Subject: SIGIR'95 Call for papers
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 1995 12:28:45 -0800 (PST)
From: Raya Fidel <fidelr@u.washington.edu>
NOTE: EXTENSION OF PAPER DUE DATE TO 11 JANUARY 1995 !!!
CALL FOR PAPERS
SIGIR'95
18th International Conference on Research
and Development in Information Retrieval
The Sheraton, Seattle, WA, USA
July 9 - July 13, 1995
In co-operation with ACM
AICA-GLIR (Italy)
BCS-IRSG (UK)
CEPIS-EIRSG (Europe)
DD (Denmark)
GI (Germany)
IPSJ (Japan)
IMPORTANT DATES
E-mail to <sigir95@u.washington.edu> to be added to mailing list: Today
RECEIPT of papers by relevant Program Co-chair: JANUARY 11, 1995
RECEIPT of proposals for tutorials, panels, demonstrations, posters, and
workshops by the relevant Chair: FEBRUARY 10, 1995
Author notifications sent: MARCH 10, 1995
Final manuscript due in camera ready and electronic forms: APRIL 3, 1995.
For additional information contact the Conference Chair or
<sigir95@u.washington.edu>
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
SIGIR'95 is an international research conference on information retrieval
theory, systems, and applications. The ACM SIGIR conference occurs
annually, alternating between locations in North America and elsewhere
(e.g., Europe). This conference will interest a broad spectrum of
professionals including theoreticians, developers, publishers,
researchers, educators, and designers of systems, interfaces, information
bases, and related applications.
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the First Society in
Computing, is a major force in advancing the skills and knowledge of IT
professionals and students throughout the world. ACM serves as an
umbrella organization offering its 90,000 members a variety of forums in
order to fulfill its members' needs -- the delivery of cutting-edge
technical information, the transfer of ideas from theory to practice, and
opportunities for information exchange. Providing high quality products
and services -- world-class journals and magazines; dynamic special
interest groups; numerous "main event" conferences; tutorials; workshops;
local special interest groups and chapters; and electronic forums -- ACM
is the resource for life-long learning in the rapidly changing IT field.
TOPICS
Though we look for all good, innovative submissions in the broad field of
information storage and retrieval (IR), the following list of topics may make
clearer some of the areas that are of particular interest:
1. IR FUNDAMENTALS (focusing on one or combinations of the following):
A. Types: text, hypertext, multimedia (including audio, images, video)
B. Representations: source, conversions, storage, presentation
C. Information structures, interaction, time-based issues
D. Processing: indexing, analysis, compression, retrieval, rendering,
publishing
E. Systems: design, implementation, measures, evaluation,architectures,
scalability, integration with DBMS
F. Theories and models, evaluation
G. Reasoning: logic, case-based
H. Standards: SGML (and HTML), HyTime, MPEG, Z39.50, HTTP
2. USERS AND IR INTERACTION:
A. Modeling, empirical studies
B. Interface design, human-computer interaction, visualization
C. IR tasks, including query formulation and expansion
D. IR and information seeking behavior
3. IR AND COGNITIVE APPROACHES:
A. Natural language processing, linguistic resources, multilingual
systems
B. Knowledge bases and their use
C. Learning: genetic algorithms, neural nets
D. Pattern matching, uncertainty, data fusion
4. DEDICATED IR APPLICATIONS:
A. Digital libraries: architectures, prototypes, studies, issues
B. Networked information (e.g., WAIS, WWW): infrastructure, tools,
systems, protocols, collections, interfaces, case studies,
intellectual property rights
5. EDUCATION IN IR:
A. Curriculum, training
B. Tools, systems
PAPERS
SIGIR'95 seeks papers about significant contributions to the broad field of
information storage and retrieval, which covers: handling of all types of
information; its applications; information systems; and underlying theories,
models, and implementations.
We encourage discussions of experimental studies, tests of usability,
explorations of information-retrieval behavior, reports on large scale
system performance, and demonstrations of advanced approaches. We prefer
that: contributions that discuss theory, have sufficient motivation and
proof of utility; that designs have been proven by a prototype; that
reports on small-scale experiments include convincing arguments or
simulations to show their likelihood to generalize; and that writing is
carefully copy edited and well organized.
All papers shall provide a concise message to the audience about how the
work relates to previous research or experience, what aspects of the work
are new, and the "lessons learned." Papers will be evaluated on the basis
of originality, significance of the contribution to the field, quality of
research, and quality of writing.
Papers shall be submitted in English to the relevant Program Co-chair.
Specific submission requirements:
(a) Papers shall be submitted in four copies.
(b) Papers must include an abstract of not more than 100 words.
(c) Papers must be 20 pages or less (double spaced), including abstract,
figures,and references. Final versions of accepted papers may
require further trimming to meet publication standards.
(d) Authors shall provide a separate cover page (not included in the length
limitations) with the title, the author name(s), and the author
affiliation(s), plus complete contact information (mailing address,
telephone, fax, and e-mail) for the author to whom correspondence
should be send.
(e) Show the word count for the paper on the cover page.
(f) Indicate if the paper is to be considered for the Best Student Paper
Award. This Award requires that the first and primary author be a
full-time student at time of submission.
TUTORIALS
SIGIR'95 will begin with a full day of tutorials, each of which is
intended to cover a single topic in detail. Proposals are solicited from
people willing to give tutorials. Tutorials may be either a half day (4
hours) or full day in length and can cover topics at an introductory or
advanced level. Submissions shall be made to the Tutorials and Panels
Chair and shall consist of :
(a) An extended abstract outlining the exact content of the tutorial.
This should be approximately 3 to 5 pages in length. Sample slides
also would be helpful.
(b) Tutorial Length: half-day or full day.
(c) A description of the intended audience outlining what attendees are
expected to know, the technical level of the tutorial and the
objectives of the tutorial.
(d) A CV for each presenter detailing relevant qualifications and
experience. Some biographical details may also be helpful.
(e) A complete description of A/V and computer equipment required for the
tutorial.
(f) Complete address for the presenter(s), including phone, fax and e-mail
addresses.
E-mail submissions shall be in plain ascii text.
PANELS
SIGIR'95 will include a small number of panel sessions. These are intended
to examine issues of interest to the research and development community
and stimulate lively debate between panelists and audience members.
Presentations by panel members should lay the groundwork and open the
debate. Ideally the panel shall consist of 4 members, with very divergent
views on the topic. The moderator shall referee the debate, ensuring a
good balance in the discussion without presenting a position. Proposals
are solicited from moderators and/or panelists. Submissions shall be made
to the Tutorials and Panels Chair and shall consist of:
(a) An extended abstract outlining the proposed topic, including the questions
likely to arise.
(b) A list of panel members and the name of a moderator.
(c) A CV for each panelist and the moderator, detailing relevant
qualifications and experience. Some biographical details may also be
helpful.
(e) Complete addresses for the moderator and panelists, including phone, fax
and e-mail addresses.
E-mail submissions shall be in plain ascii text.
DEMONSTRATIONS
Demonstrations provide an opportunity for first-hand, interactive
experience with information retrieval systems. Researchers and developers
have the opportunity to present their new systems, and conference
participants have the opportunity to interact directly with creators of
the systems demonstrated.
We invite proposals for demonstrations of information retrieval systems
and applications. Demonstrations should focus on aspects of the system
that are novel and important. Demonstrations are not limited to
experimental systems only. IR researchers participating in the NIST/ARPA
sponsored TREC, MUC, TIPSTER projects and the European Community research
initiatives are encouraged to participate.
Presenters of the systems must be individuals who have been directly
involved with the development of the system, and who are aware of the
differentiating and interesting ideas embodied in their system. All
presenters are expected to register for the conference.
Presenters shall submit a proposal of at most three pages, describing the
planned demonstration, to the Demonstration Chair. The proposal shall
include:
(a) A description of noteworthy and distinguishing ideas or approaches the
demonstration will illustrate.
(b) An explanation of how the demonstration will illustrate these ideas or
approaches.
(c) Complete contact information (mailing address, telephone, fax, and
e-mail) and affiliation of the person(s) who will present the
demonstration, including their relationship to the project (e.g.,
principal investigator, developer, project manager, architect).
(d) A 100-word summary for inclusion in the conference's preliminary program.
(e) A description of the technical specifications of the system. The selected
presenters shall provide a description that is modeled after the TREC
technical specification descriptions. An electronic form will be
available via e-mail.
(f) A bibliography of published and unpublished materials that relate to the
system, its algorithms and underlying theories as well as any
evaluations that have been undertaken.
(g) The hardware, software, and network requirements for the demonstration,
including the electrical requirements of the equipment.
No fax submissions; e-mail submissions preferred.
POSTERS
SIGIR '95 will include poster presentations to enable researchers an
opportunity to present late-breaking results, significant work in
progress, or research that is best communicated in conversational mode.
Poster presenters will have the opportunity to exchange ideas one-on-one
with attendees and to discuss their work in detail with those most deeply
interested in the same topic.
Posters will be reviewed by appropriate subject specialists as well as the
Program Committee, and will be selected on the basis of their contribution
to research- focused discussion. Posters will be accepted a full month
later than papers in order to provide an opportunity for submitting very
current work that need not be written up in a full paper.
Abstracts of posters will appear in the conference proceedings. There
will be a specific time during the conference when authors will be
expected to be present at their posters to describe their work and answer
questions, but posters will also be accessible for informal viewing
throughout the day.
Doctoral students are encouraged to consider poster submission as a viable
means for discussing ongoing dissertation research.
Submissions shall be made to the Posters Chair and shall consist of:
(a) Abstract, submitted in three copies.
(b) An extended abstract of approximately three to four pages.
(c) Abstract shall emphasize the research problem, the approach or methodology
being used, and why the work is important.
(d) A separate cover page with the title of the poster, the name and
affiliation of the author(s)/presenter(s), as well as complete contact
information to include postal address, email address, phone number
and fax number of the author(s).
WORKSHOPS
Proposals are being solicited from both individuals and groups for one-day
workshops to be held on July 13. Workshops bring together researchers to
share information and discuss a topic that relates to their expertise.
Submissions shall be made to the Workshops Chair and shall be limited to 3
pages. They shall contain:
(a) The theme and goal of the workshop.
(b) The planned activities.
(c) A CV for each organizer detailing relevant qualifications and
experience (not included in the length limitations). Some biographical
details may also be helpful.
(d) Maximum number of participants.
(e) Process for selecting participants.
(f) List of potential participants.
After the workshop, organizers will provide an article summarizing the workshop
for SIGIR Forum.
No fax submissions.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
General Conference Chair:
Raya Fidel
GSLIS, FM-30
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195, USA
fidelr@u.washington.edu
Tel: +1-206-543-1888
Fax: +1-206-685-8049
Program Co-chairs:
(N and S America, Asia)
Edward A. Fox
Department of Computer Science
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0160, USA
fox@vt.edu
Tel: +1-703-231-5113
Fax: +1-703-231-6075
(Europe, Africa, Australia)
Peter Ingwersen
Royal School of Librarianship
Birketinget 6
DK 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
biskpi@unidhp.uni-c.dk
Tel: +45 31 58 60 66
Fax: +45 32 84 02 01
Tutorials and Panels Chair:
Joan Morrissey
School of Computer Science
University of Windsor
Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
joan@cs.uwindsor.ca
Tel: +1-519-253-4232 ext 2992
Fax: +1-519-973-7093
Posters Chair:
Elizabeth D. Liddy
School of Information Studies
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
liddy@mailbox.syr.edu
Tel: +1-315-443-2911
Fax: +1-315-443-5806
Demonstrations Chair:
Efthimis N. Efthimiadis
GSLIS
University of California
Los Angeles, CA 20024, USA
efthimis@gslis.ucla.edu
Tel: +1-310-825-8975
Fax: +1-310-206-4460
Workshops Chair:
Katie Hover
Research Librarian
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052, USA
katieh@microsoft.com
Tel: +1-206-936-8082
Fax: +1-206-936-7329
Local Arrangements Chair:
Michael Crandall
Boeing Technical Libraries
P.O. Box 3707, MS 8K-38
Seattle, WA 98124, USA
crandall@atc.boeing.com
Tel: +1-206-237-3238
Fax: +1-206-237-3491
Publicity Chair:
Edie Rasmussen
SLIS
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
emr1@vms.cis.pitt.edu
Tel: +1-412-624-9459
Fax: +1-412-648-7001
Sponsorship Chair:
Jill McKinstry
Library Systems, FM-25
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195, USA
jillmck@u.washington.edu
Tel: +1-206-685-3933
Fax: +1-206-685-8727
Program Committee:
Ijsbrand Jan Aalbersberg, Phillips, USA
Maristella Agosti, U. Padua, Italy
Richard K. Belew, UC San Diego, USA
Nicholas Belkin, Rutgers U., USA
Abraham Bookstein, U. Chicago, USA
Christine Borgman, UCLA, USA
Giorgio Brajnik, U. Udine, Italy
Peter D. Bruza, QUT, Australia
Forbes Burkowski, Waterloo U., Canada
Yves Chiaramella, LGI-IMAG, France
W. Bruce Croft, U. Massachusetts, USA
Efthimis N. Efthimiadis, UCLA, USA
Hans-Peter Frei, UBILAB, Switzerland
Norbert Fuhr, U. Dortmund, Germany
Richard Furuta, Texas A&M U., USA
Micheline Hancock, City University, UK
Donna Harman, NIST, USA
David Harper, Robert Gordon U., UK
Nancy Ide, Vassar College, USA
Tetsuya Ishikawa, ULIS, Japan
Kalervo Jarvelin, U. Tampere, Finland
Haruo Kimoto, NTT, Japan
Shmuel T. Klein, Bar-Ilan U., Israel
Robert Korfhage, U. Pittsburgh, USA
Ray Larson, UC Berkeley, USA
David Lewis, AT&T, USA
Elizabeth D. Liddy, Syracuse U., USA
Paul Lindner, DCS, USA
Clifford Lynch, U. California, USA
Gary Marchionini, U. Maryland, USA
Yasushi Ogawa, RICOH, Japan
Annelise Mark Pejtersen, Risoe, Denmark
Keith van Rijsbergen, Glasgow U., UK
Gerard Salton, Cornell U., USA
Peter Schauble, ETH, Switzerland
Fabrizio Sebastiani, U. Glasgow, UK
Alan Smeaton, Dublin City U., Ireland
Phil Smith, Ohio State U., USA
Craig Stanfill, Thinking Machines, USA
Ulrich Thiel, GMD, Germany
Richard Tong, Verity, USA
Howard Turtle, West Publishing, USA
Ellen Voorhees, Siemens, USA
Ross Wilkinson, RMIT, Australia
Peter Willett, U. Sheffield, UK
E.J. Yannakoudakis, Athens U., Greece
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 16:13:51 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Lisa J Guedea <lguedea@world.std.com>
Subject: Re: Information Mapping
In-Reply-To: <199501031731.AA22583@world.std.com>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
The whole notion of occupational/professional names and titles has
perplexed librarians for decades now, and so far I've seen no resolution.
This does not bode well for indexers or any other group who want to change
their professional image (educate the public, get more respect, inspire
more awe, whatever) by changing the name. In the librarian circles, I've
been on many sides of the issue -- heck, I've even been and "information
specialist" instead of a "corporate librarian" in one of my previous jobs
where I was given the choice.
What I keep coming back to, though, are some difficult questions, at least
for myself. Do you rename the profession or redefine it? Do you work
from within it or splinter off? Are you prepared to fight the turf
battles with the other "information" people? And whom are you willing to
alienate in the process? (I am continually surprised at the number of
people who say "Hey, I'm a LIBRARIAN and darn proud of it!")
So there you are. I'm not taking sides on this one, just as I stopped
taking sides on the "librarian" vs. "cybrarian" vs. "info specialist" vs.
"info manager" vs. "mutant ninja infobot" thing. But I am saying that
people do tend to get excited about the image/re-naming thing, and their
reasons on *both* sides usually make a lot of sense. Just some food for
thought.
Lisa Guedea W5527 Highway 106 P.O. Box 800
Corporate Librarian Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0800
Highsmith, Inc. 414-563-9571 phone
LGuedea@world.std.com 414-563-7395 fax
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 16:14:07 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Carol Roberts <Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com>
Subject: Re: What do you tell your friends about indexing?
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I say, "I create indexes for books." Sometimes they ask how. The answer to
that is longer and more interesting.
Cheers,
Carol Roberts, indexer and copy editor | Live long and prosper.
Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com |
Milwaukee, WI |
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 16:14:21 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: EKOCH@VM1.YorkU.CA
Subject: Editors' Assn of Canada (long posting)
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
New Year's greetings from the Editors' Association of Canada.
The EAC-Toronto Branch is pleased to announce a new session of seminars.
Seminars are held in Northrop Frye Hall at Victoria University on the
campus of the University of Toronto. Presenters' names are in brackets.
Prices are in Canadian dollars.
If you need any more information, e-mail Madeline Koch
at ekoch@vm1.yorku.ca or telephone 416/691-4964.
Call the other branches to see what seminars they've got lined up
(Western Canada -- 604/681-7184, Quebec and Atlantic Canada
-- 514/849-9886 and National Capital Region -- 613/820-5731).
Editing Technical Writing (Anne Stilman)
Jan 21, 10 am-4 pm; $90 members/$105 nonmembers
All kinds of exercises show how to deal with technical writing even when
the terminology and concepts seem like a foreign language.
Substantive Editing (Rosemary Shipton)
Jan 28 & Feb 4, 10 am-1 pm; $90 members/$110 nonmembers
Two-parter offers practical suggestions on how far to go,
winning the author's confidence and other issues of making
a publication as good as it can be.
The Art of the Query (Rica Night)
Feb 7, 7-930 pm; $45 members/$55 nonmembers
A workshop to explore the skills needed for effective
and diplomatic communication with authors.
Copy Editing 1 (Anne Stilman)
Feb 11 & 18, 10 am-4 pm; $120 members/$140 nonmembers
Two-part lecture/workshop directed at novice editors but also useful
to anyone who wants to improve writing skills.
Permissions: Dogma & Dilemma (Fred Kerner)
Feb 16 & 23 & Mar 2, 7-930 pm; $95 members/$110 nonmembers
Three-part seminar explores issues of copyright and subsidiary rights
in the Canadian context, with some discussion of US and UK practices.
Estimating Is Not a Science (panel)
Feb 25, 10 am-3 pm; $80 members/$95 nonmembers
A discussion of different approaches to estimating, when to use a contract,
negotiating, charging for expenses and how to learn from your mistakes.
Starting Out and Thriving as a Freelance Editor (Rice Night)
Mar 4, 9 am-5 pm; $95 members/$115 nonmembers
Ever-popular introduction to the benefits and perils of freelancing.
Eliminating Bias (Susan Lawrence and colleagues)
Mar 9, 7-930 pm; $45 members/$55 nonmembers
A discussion of the editor's responsibility to point out racist, sexist,
ageist, ???-ist terms and assumptions.
Indexing from A to Z (Heather Ebbs)
Mar 11, 10 am-5 pm; $95 members/$105 nonmembers
Whether indexing technical or fiction materials, journals or trade books,
on-line or on paper...
Questions? E-mail Madeline Koch at ekoch@vm1.yorku.ca
or telephone 416/691-4964.
=========================================================================
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 16:14:36 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Kari Bero <bero@alexia.lis.uiuc.edu>
Subject: Re: Indexable names
In-Reply-To: <9501042103.AA14776@alexia.lis.uiuc.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Yes, thanks for the names poem. I, too, got quite a chuckle out of it!
-Kari J. Bero, M.S. L.I.S.
(budding indexer and...)
Reference Librarian / User Education Coordinator
Suzzallo Library FM-25
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
bero@alexia.lis.uiuc.edu
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 1995 11:47:01 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Lori Lathrop <76620.456@compuserve.com>
Subject: Indexes in Children's Books
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I'll be presenting an indexing workshop next month at the PENCIL
(Professional Emphasis on Needs for Children's Illustrations and
Literature) conference, which should be a lot of fun. Anyway, I'm
looking for examples of both good and not-so-good indexes in children's
books.
Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Lori Lathrop ----------> INTERNET:76620.456@compuserve.com
Lathrop Media Services
(303)567-4011
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 1995 11:47:15 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Daniel Wu <dwu@netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Information Mapping
In-Reply-To: <199501052257.OAA01494@netcom15.netcom.com>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
On Thu, 5 Jan 1995, Lisa J Guedea wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
[zapped]
> So there you are. I'm not taking sides on this one, just as I stopped
> taking sides on the "librarian" vs. "cybrarian" vs. "info specialist" vs.
> "info manager" vs. "mutant ninja infobot" thing. But I am saying that
> people do tend to get excited about the image/re-naming thing, and their
> reasons on *both* sides usually make a lot of sense. Just some food for
> thought.
In a perfect world, I feel that the profession's name should accurately
reflect what a person in that profession do. The name should not be
overblown (i.e index engineer) or should it be a name that connotates
less than what that profession really does.
So "indexing" actually fits the above "perfect" world. The problem
is probably not in the name so much as in the imapge of what a
person who does indexing actually do. The image of a profession is
important for at least two reasons:
- self esteem
- your paycheck
For some people, the self-esteem is not a problem like "I am a
LIBRIAN and I am PROUD of it"
But the paycheck might matter because a profession that has a bad
image will probably get pay less since other people basically says
that it is easy, anyone can do that. Other potential problems could
be that during "downsizing" that people in that profession will get cut
first. For example, one company I worked for cut all the librarains
that we have. Now I got upset because the librarians we have are
great. They find all the right information for me. They save me
lots and lots of time when I am doing research. Now I have to
do them and it affects my schedules. They cut the librarain probably
because of the bean counters. Yes, they saved money, but they just wasted
a lot more money indirectly because I cannot do my job as
effeciently. And I am not the only one who is affected.
So, as for indexing, what are the costs of a low quality
index or a non-fiction book which does not have an index?
Costs to me are:
- lost sales because a person could not find what s/he is
looking for in a book
- lost time on the reader when the reader wants to find
something (he already pay for the darn book)
- High frustration because I knew I read it in this book
and the lousy index can't find it for me, which results
in high blood pressure, which results in lots of
doctor's visits, which results in lost productivity
at work ... ;)
All the costs are indirect and hard to measure with a bad
index.
Anyway, this is getting too long so I better stop.
--
================================================================
= Daniel Wu danwu@acm.org =
= "If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, =
= it will be taken as a curse" Proverbs 27:14 =
================================================================
>
>
> Lisa Guedea W5527 Highway 106 P.O. Box 800
> Corporate Librarian Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0800
> Highsmith, Inc. 414-563-9571 phone
> LGuedea@world.std.com 414-563-7395 fax
>
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 1995 11:47:30 ECT
Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group <INDEX-L@BINGVMB.BITNET>
From: Hazel Blumberg-McKee <hazelcb@freenet.scri.fsu.edu>
Subject: Re: Information Mapping
In-Reply-To: <199501052253.AA27830@freenet3.scri.fsu.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Yeah, people ask me what an indexer is when I tell them that I'm one. I
give them a brief explanation. If they're still puzzled, I tell them
about those alphabetized pages in the backs of cookbooks. That makes
things clearer. I still vote for "indexer." People are confused enough by
*that* term. They'd probably be even more confused by a new term. And
you'll have to explain what you do, no matter what.
I was a law librarian for awhile, and that's what I said I was: a law
librarian. I've heard the "cybrarian" and "information specialist" et al.
terms before, but I felt more comfortable with "librarian."
Just my $.02. Hazel
Hazel Blumberg-McKee (hazelcb@freenet.tlh.fl.us)
"If you take hyphens seriously you will surely go mad."--John Benbow