Describes a study that examined back of book indexes produced by 37 authors and 27 nonauthors to see whether differences between the 2 groups of indexers could be discerned by counting the occurrence of 3 characteristics in their indexes: number of index pages, modified headings, and cross-reference use. (27 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of the "Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors" that examined links between the use of an indexing term and its physical similarity to its narrower terms. Results indicate almost no correlation between how often a term is assigned and how many similar looking narrower terms it has. (six references) (LRW)

Compares the indexing structure of icons with principles used for traditional indexing. A sample of 15 library homepages was drawn from the total population of the United States library homepages. Semiotics theory was used to study the icons. Analysis and results are outlined. (AEF)

Describes a study that examined the rates of use of descriptors in the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) system during 1966-86 to determine whether certain levels of terms were used more than others and whether patterns of use were similar among hierarchies in the ERIC Thesaurus. (10 references) (LRW)

Study of state of source indexing (indexing data published simultaneously with articles they represent) examines aspects of 685 science journals: science fields using source indexing; source indexing formats; assignment of indexing terms from controlled vocabularies; suppliers of indexing (authors, editors, indexers); use of source indexing by…

Discusses the results of a survey of 255 librarians and college professors that was conducted to determine their preferences regarding three back-of-the-book index features: word-by-word versus letter-by-letter alphabetizing; line-by-line versus run-on subheading arrangement; and see references versus duplicate entries. (Contains 25 references.)…