Society of Indexers


The Society of Indexers is a professional society based in the UK, with its offices in Sheffield, England, but has members worldwide.
It exists to promote indexing, the quality of indexes and the profession of indexing. It provides a distance training course in indexing leading to its qualification of Professional Member. Further professional experience leads to Advanced Professional Member and beyond that the qualification of Fellow of the Society is awarded for proof of experience and index quality. Its online lists qualified members available to take freelance indexing work.

History

The Society of Indexers was formally constituted at the premises of the National Book League in the UK on 30 March 1957 by G. Norman Knight and approximately 60 other people. He "count it as one of the achievements of the Society to have removed the intense feeling of solitude in which the indexer used to work."
Later members in various areas of the world grouped together and formed societies which are now affiliated
The Society started publishing its journal, The Indexer ISSN 0019-4131 ISSN 1756-0632, in 1958. Publication continues today, and The Indexer is the official journal of all the indexing societies. Originally published twice each year, it is now quarterly. Subscriptions are open to members and non-members. Issues up until two years ago are available online on its website The current editor is Mary Coe. Past editors include Maureen MacGlashan and Hazel K. Bell.
The society newsletter SIdelights is published quarterly and is only available to society members.

Conferences

Conferences are held, usually annually and in the UK.