Book indexing : a reflection on the contrasting complexities and ease of conceptualisation and how we can deepen our understanding

Abstract

The complexities, as well as seemingly simplicities of book indexing are considered against conceptualisation and determining what an entity is about. This is done by considering an academic, theoretical perspective as well as the perspective of indexers in praxis. Various viewpoints on conceptionalisation are briefly considered, namely the simplistic approach, content-oriented approach, requirements-oriented approach and socio-cognitive view. Suggestions on bridging the gap between pragmatic indexing and theoretical indexing discourse are offered.