Topographical indexing

Abstract

The problems of achieving comprehensive coverage of place-name material are discussed and examples from the national press, journals and popular magazines are given. Relevant material is often buried within other articles. Although 100% coverage is impossible, more could be done to improve the situation by investigating the range of indexes produced and rationalizing with, for example, an ‘index of indexes’. Major reference works, bibliographies and archives are also important for place names, but most lack relevant indexes.Greater co-operation between indexers is proposed.