Artificial Quote by Hans H Wellisch
“The indexing problem changes with each new book undertaken. To meet the needs of different classes of seekers and to suit various types of books, rules entirely satisfactory in one case must be varied in the next and perhaps ignored or even reversed for a third... Indexing is a highly complex intellectual process involving the use of language in a specific and somewhat artificial way, and that it is also to a considerable extent a matter of intuition, the workings of which cannot be reduced to fixed rules. It is 'knowing what but not knowing how'.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Indexing Principles, Hans H. Wellisch, 1972
Indexing requires adaptable rules and intuition, varying by book type and audience.
In simple terms: Indexing needs flexible rules and intuition.
Key Takeaway
Embrace flexibility and trust intuition when indexing.
Themes
information organization
adaptability
intuition
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
educational
professional
When to use this quote
- cataloguing new books
- academic research
- library training
Key Concepts
library science
cognitive processes
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance rules and intuition?
- When should you reverse a standard practice?
A Different Perspective
Rigid rules can limit effective indexing.
