Date of Award

8-25-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Rhetoric and Writing

First Advisor

Karen Kuralt

Abstract

Indexing is an important, yet behind-the-scenes, rhetorical activity that provides readers with quick access to information. The format and creation of the index, since its inception, continues to evolve with the transforming format and mode of information. Although professional freelance indexers come from all walks of life, the journey to become such always progresses through the same three stages--gaining an introduction to the profession, followed by learning an indexing methodology, until finally, gaining enough confidence in their abilities, they can announce to the world that they are open for business. After becoming a professional, indexers use the skill of textual analysis, combined with the application of rhetorical theory, to add value to the information that they index. Indexers, now more than ever, need to emerge from the background to proactively dispel the growing misunderstanding and underappreciation of the index or risk the possible extinction of their profession.

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