Cross references are the instructions in an index that point a user from one place to another, usually taking the form of See or See also. They’re awfully convenient for indexers, providing a way to collect information outside the structure of the index. That is, they function like hyperlinks, drawing connections between one topic and another, when the […]
Usability: Understanding Cross References, Part I
Cross references — those little notes that tell a reader to look elsewhere in the index for information — are a much-loved tool for many indexers (Hans Wellisch gives them 10 pages in Indexing from A to Z). They’re quiet instructions, helping readers get acquainted with the author’s word choices. They neatly connect bits and pieces of the index, highlighting […]
Ergonomics of Keyboard Use
We don’t think about simple, everyday repetitive, small-amplitude, movements as producing strain. Many times, we don’t realize that seemingly disparate activities are using the same muscle groups and adding to the “strain.” Pain is the body’s way of telling us that tissue injury is occurring. Pay attention to that signal—even if it occurs only transiently. […]
The Power of Partnership
Our founding partner, Richard Shrout mentioned the other day that we are still unique in our business model, which has endured since 2006. Our collegial partnership of book indexers, taxonomists, and editors has served us very well over the years. This is a good time to go over the workings of this little group of […]
Repetitive Stress/Strain Injury
Being sedentary is not the only work hazard for those of us spending hours working at our computers. Musculoskeletal diseases involving muscle, tendon, ligament, and nervous system injuries are caused by repetitive tasks—like keyboard use. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is often given as an example of this kind of musculoskeletal injury but other aches and […]
Working with Authors’ Term Lists
Something indexers often get are term lists from authors. These can range from a handful of key concepts to a complete index, with the comment that “the index is done, and all you have to do is put in the page numbers.” Many indexers, having been faced with the latter example, reject author term lists […]
