Site Index

	New England Chapter American Society of Indexers Past Events

Fall 1999 Conference Summary

Do You Have to Read the Whole Book?

October 2, 1999
Sturbridge, Massachusetts

The Fifth Annual Conference of the Massachusetts Society of Indexers (MSI) was held Saturday, October 2, 1999, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Once again, the chapter presented a well-organized conference within a comfortable setting. The day provided almost 40 conference attendees with another fine opportunity to meet and network with other beginning and experienced indexers, and to hear speakers discuss an array of interesting and relevant topics. 

After President Ann Daley's greeting, John Sullivan, MSI's Chair of Continuing Studies, spoke about electronic books, or e-books, and the future of indexing. John discussed the current technological advances in the ways books can be read in electronic formats. A thought-provoking discussion was generated by this topic, with many questions asked about the role of print books in an electronic culture, the changing roles of indexers, and the importance of embedded indexing. John emphasized how e-books will exist alongside print books, therefore allowing back-of-the-book indexers to not only continue working with print books, but also to pursue opportunities presented by changing technology if they so desire. The interest shown in embedded indexing may lead to a future professional development seminar.

A panel discussion with three Wilson Award winners was next. Cynthia Grabke, Secretary of MSI, moderated panelists Jeanne Moody, Marcia Carlson, and Richard Genova. Cynthia first asked the participants to give details of how they created each of their award-winning indexes, which were available to examine first-hand. Each indexer described his or her own indexing process in general and specific ways, both with regard to the award-winning books and other indexes they have done. They all agreed that it often takes a special book under the right circumstances to enable an indexer to write an index worthy of the Wilson Award. Conference attendees were then able to ask questions of the panelists, who generously offered advice and lessons learned throughout their indexing experiences.

Following a delicious lunch buffet, Barbara Stroup and Susan Holbert, both past presidents of MSI, gave lively talks about time and money management. Barbara gave tips on making the most of time, including ways to create schedules, meet deadlines, and stay disciplined. She walked us through her own personal process of handling the time demands of an indexing project from the time of receipt to its' completion, as well as how she manages working a part-time job and everyday responsibilities into her monthly schedule. Susan gave her ever lively discussion on the ways indexers, as freelance professionals, can make sure they're earning what they're worth at all times. She emphasized the power of using prepared negotiating tactics, of always emphasizing our positives, and of selling our expertise as valuable indexing professionals. Susan always knows how to make us feel great about our profession and to never sell ourselves short.

The last speaker of the day was Charlotte Skuster, indexer and reference librarian, who illustrated the complexities and peculiarities of indexing historical letters. She graciously spoke of tackling hundreds of family members' letters dating back to the late 1800s. By showing us excerpts from these letters, she gave us examples of the various challenges she has had to meet, including the management and identification of names, times, and events. Charlotte gave us a fascinating look into the joys and difficulties of a labor of love and a very detailed index in progress.