8:30AM–Noon

Workshop 1

Thematic Term Selection and Structure

Sylvia Coates

This intermediate-level, hands-on workshop begins with an introduction to thematic conceptualization and its application to indexing. Emphasis will be on increasing profitability by improving the speed of term selection in order to build a solid index structure that requires less time to edit. Participants will be given three short pieces of text to index as practice exercises. A general discussion, including a step-by-step breakdown, will follow the completion of each exercise. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and/or to make comments throughout the workshop.

8:30AM–5PM

Workshop 2

Indexing for Beginners

Kay Schlembach

This basic presentation offers a comprehensive, energetic, face-to-face experience for those wanting to learn fundamental indexing techniques and thinking skills. Beginning indexers, people experiencing career changes, information workers, editors, and writers will benefit from this fast-paced workshop. Material is presented in a straightforward and practical manner, accompanied by numerous examples and opportunities for self-evaluation, plus instructor feedback and group participation. Live teaching, diverse interaction, and instant feedback serve to complement independent learning. Key concepts covered include term selection, entries, cross-references, formatting, and simple editing. Learners will be able to create an index by the end of this full-day workshop.

8:30AM–Noon

Workshop 3

Introduction to Metadata and Controlled Vocabularies

Fred Leise

Metadata and controlled vocabularies provide users with improved search results. This basic workshop is an introduction to using the indexing skills of content analysis and term selection to expand the indexer’s expertise to encompass creating controlled vocabularies. Participants will learn what metadata is and how it is used, as well as how controlled vocabularies are developed in the context of content management systems. The workshop includes a number of hands-on exercises.

8:30AM–Noon

Workshop 4

Using DEXter, an Indexing Add-in for Microsoft Word

Jack Lyon

How to use DEXter, a full featured indexing add-in for Microsoft Word that bridges the gap between dedicated indexing programs (such as CINDEX) and Microsoft Word’s built-in embedded indexing features.

10:15AM–10:30AM

Morning Refreshment Break (for workshop attendees only)

12PM–1:30PM

Lunch Break (on your own)

1:30PM–5PM

Workshop 5

Lives and Letters

Margie Towery and Martin White

Two experienced indexers will discuss the challenges of indexing biographies, collected letters, journals, and related material. Topics will include the entry for the main subject, alphabetical vs. chronological subheads, index format, head notes, and treatment of content of letters. Hands-on exercises will be included.

1:30PM–5PM

Workshop 6

From the Alamo to Zydeco Music: Create a Periodical Index for Your State/Region —Tips from the Experts

Denise Goetting, Moderator

Indexers from Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington will share their experiences in creating and maintaining regional periodical indexes. Each indexer will make a presentation on his/her local index and will open the floor to questions. After the presentations, the speakers will lead small-group discussions and demonstrations of the individual indexes at stations around the room. This is an ideal beginners’ workshop on how to start and maintain a regional/state/local periodical index.

1:30PM–5PM

Workshop 7

Practical Design of Controlled Vocabularies

Fred Leise

This advanced workshop introduces a user-centered methodology for creating controlled vocabularies. Through hands-on exercises, participants will explore the specifics of the methodology (e.g., content analysis and initial vocabulary development, including free-listing and card-sorting) and will begin to actually build a controlled vocabulary based on a corpus of sample content. This workshop can be taken as a stand-alone, but participants’ learning experience will be enriched if they also take Fred’s morning workshop, which is a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and terminology used in the afternoon workshop.

3PM–3:15PM