In a wide-ranging talk, Michel explained what standards govern indexing (ISO 999) and why indexing is so important. A good index adds value and helps to sell books – readers are very likely to move onto the next book if the index is poorly written. A good index provides access to the important concepts and names scattered throughout the book. An indexer needs to understand the reader, as well as the subject. This is why a computer cannot replace a good indexer as it cannot anticipate a reader’s needs. Human intelligence is required to understand how readers will search for information. Notes from his talk, and in particular the links to various websites, will be circulated to members at a later date.
Before the talk, Kathryn Torres gave a short presentation on the Shine Centre, a volunteer-driven organisation that provides a literacy programme for second-language learners in Grades 2 and 3. After more than ten years in existence, the Shine Centre’s programme is needed more than ever. It is perhaps an appropriate organisation for PEG Cape Town members to support, as what can be more rewarding than helping children to discover for themselves the joy of reading and writing. To find out more, visit their website at www.theshinecentre.org.za or take a three-minute peek into a Shine Centre Literacy Hour: http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=sTuyL8ULyuc
The next PEG Cape Town will hold one more meeting before the AGM in June and the topic will be related to digital publishing. Members will be informed of the date about a month before the meeting takes place.
