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I learned the value of having indexes of all materials. The more finding aids are available to the patron, the better chance he/she will have in finding the materials. Through examining online and paper indexes and abstracts, I learned the value of these resources and am applying the skill to my library's resources. Tables of contents are being added to our books as they are being cataloged to increase the number of hits available in searching our card catalog. Materials that are being considered for purchase are being judged partially by whether or not there is a good index included. Databases are being analyzed by how searches are achievable. I am in the process of indexing Etude magazine, a music journal published until 1958 that includes valuable information for music educators and researches related to early music practices. Since the journal also includes sheet music over its 75 years of publication, the resource has been difficult to use because of the lack of this index. I am also updating my university's only published history (now over 30 years old) to add an index until we can update the entire book to include current history. Additionally, I am creating a database of a local cemetery through our genealogical society to provide vital information for researchers interested in local and family histories.
Indexing and Abstracting |
