Indexes compared: reflections on the benefits of peer review exercises

Abstract

Book indexers are finding ways to engage in peer review exercises, which mainly involve a group of indexers preparing their own indexes for the same text and then comparing them. They are doing this both online and in person, using discussion forums, tutorials and locally run groups. Melanie Gee reports on the peer review exercises organized by the UK Society of Indexers. She concludes that peer exercises not only build skills but also provide social connections for otherwise solitary professional indexers.