Canada’s Professional Society of Indexers Since 1977

The Indexing Society of Canada / Société canadienne d’indexation (ISC/SCI) is Canada’s national association of indexers.

We invite you to find an indexer for your project, read our publications, discover our conferences, events, and resources for indexers, find out about membership, and learn about the Society.

Find an indexer

Find an indexer who works in the subject area of your project.

Find resources

Find information about indexes, indexing practices, and training in indexing.

Attend an event

Attend a local meeting of indexers or attend the annual conference.

Become a member

Join the Society and enjoy the benefits of membership.

Featured Post

What practices will help me with good index term selection?

Term selection is a key factor that determines the quality and usability of an index. Good index terms are clear, … […]

Upcoming Events

2019 Ewart-Daveluy Indexing Award: Your Name Here

Maria Hypponen

We know there were some terrific indexes written in 2018 by you. But only one of you submitted one for the Ewart-Daveluy Indexing Award. That’s just too few. Where were the rest of you? How can we encourage you to submit your hard work in 2020? (Maybe even that index from 2018?)

The application has never been easier. It’s all online. You don’t need a hard copy — a PDF of the book with the index is enough. The cost is only $30. And did you know that we provide feedback for up to three runners-up? That’s feedback from three experienced indexers.

We are looking for print book indexes that creatively overcome challenges, resulting in an outstanding, well-structured, easy-to-navigate, clear and comprehensive guide for all of its users. There’s no restriction to the subject matter or genre — textbooks, cookbooks, guidebooks, memoirs, art books, how-to books, travel books, all books — it’s your index we will be looking at.

“Oh, but,” you say, “I’m too new!” Nonetheless, you suspect that the index you wrote for that odd little guide to breaking up with your phone was really effective. Or you’re pretty sure you did a big favour to people looking for answers to their ailments by the way you exposed the hidden gems in that dense book about digestion. Or you amazed yourself with managing to build a clear guide to too many pages in the limited space allotted by the press.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Maybe you’ll get the prize (which won’t happen if you don’t apply). And if not, you’re very likely to get expert confidential feedback. That’s worth a lot.

Because we think there are indexes out there that we should have seen, for 2020, we are opening the submissions up to books published in 2018 and 2019 — a second chance to submit that index that you seriously considered, but didn’t quite have the time or courage to follow through. If you are a Canadian indexer or a Canadian resident, 2020 is the time to do it.

Watch for more information about the 2020 award deadline to come.

New Executive for 2019-2020

Maria Hypponen

The new ISC/SCI Executive for 2019-2020 was voted in at this spring’s conference in Ottawa.

As of June 2019, the new President is Alexandra Peace and the new Vice-President is Pierre Joyal. They will be holding these positions until June 2021.

Check out the full Executive Committee list. If you have questions about the work of the ISC/SCI, feel free to contact your Regional Representative, or any member of the Executive.

2019 Tamarack Award: Stephen Ullstrom

Maria Hypponen

The Tamarack Award was instituted to recognize members who go “above and beyond the call of duty” in their volunteer work for the Society. According to ISC president Alexandra Peace and past president Margaret de Boer, it was an easy decision to recognize the 2019 recipient, Stephen Ullstrom.

Stephen, who lives in Edmonton, was chosen because of his dedication and valuable input on the executive committee and for his commitment as the Prairies and Northern Canada regional representative for the past two years and agreeing to remain as the representative for an additional period. He is also being recognized for his strong vision of a mentorship program for the Society and for bringing it to fruition.

“We are thrilled to present this award to Stephen, and we are honoured to have him as a member of our society,” said Alexandra and Margaret. “Thank you, Stephen, for all you have given to the Society and its membership.” And here’s what some of Stephen’s colleagues on the executive had to say:

Pierre Joyal, Vice-President: “Stephen was the driving force behind the mentorship program. He was its initial sponsor, the originator of the concept and saw it to fruition. It would not have happened without his commitment and dedication, his work efforts, and determination to seeing it through. We are grateful for the work he accomplished and congratulate him on a well-deserved award.”

JoAnne Burek, Website Administrator: “As the regional representative for the Prairies and Northern Canada, Stephen genuinely cares about the well-being of his colleagues. He ensures that every few months they get together for conversation about business, indexing, work/life balance—whatever they want to talk about—even though they are spread across three provinces and into the States.”

Congratulations to Stephen on his accomplishments and for this special recognition.

Past recipients of the Tamarack Award and other ISC awards can be found on the awards page.

2019 Tamarack Award recipient Stephen Ullstrom

Stephen Ullstrom (second from left) receives the 2019 Tamarack Award from members of the ISC Executive.

Photo credit: JoAnne Burek

Indexing Society of Canada announces 2019 Tamarack Award recipient

Indexing Society of Canada

Toronto: The Indexing Society of Canada / Société canadienne d’indexation (ISC/SCI) is pleased to announce the 2019 recipient of the Tamarack Award. Stephen Ullstrom (Edmonton) is being recognized for his contribution and commitment to the society.

Stephen was chosen due to his dedication and valuable input on the executive committee, and for his commitment as the Prairies and Northern Canada regional representative for the past two years and to remain as a representative for additional time.

“We are thrilled to present this award to Stephen, and we are honoured to have him as a member of our society,” said Alexandra Peace, President and Margaret de Boer, Past-President. “Thank you, Stephen, for all you have given to the society and its membership.”

Stephen is also being commended for his strong vision for a mentorship program for the society and for bringing it to fruition.

“Stephen was the driving force behind the mentorship program,” said Pierre Joyal, Vice-President. “He was its initial sponsor, the originator of the concept and saw it to fruition. It would not have happened without his commitment and dedication, his work efforts and determination to seeing it through. We are grateful for the work he accomplished and congratulate him on a well-deserved award.”

The Tamarack Award was instituted to recognize members who go “above and beyond the call of duty” in their volunteer work for the Society. Past recipients can be found on the website here: https://indexers.ca/isc-awards/

The Indexing Society of Canada | Société canadienne d’indexation (ISC/SCI) is Canada’s professional society of indexers. Our mission is to encourage the production and use of indexes, promote the recognition of indexers, improve indexing techniques, and foster communication among individual indexers across Canada. Our vision is “Accessible information; informed people.” Learn more at indexers.ca.

Indexing Society of Canada announces new Executive for 2019–2021

Indexing Society of Canada

Toronto: The Indexing Society of Canada / Société canadienne d’indexation (ISC/SCI) is pleased to announce that, as of June 2019, the new President is Alexandra Peace and the new Vice-President is Pierre Joyal.

They will be holding these positions until June 2021.

For general information pertaining to the society, please contact either Alexandra or Pierre at presidents@indexers.ca.

For other communications needs, please contact Maria Hypponen at communications@indexers.ca.

The full Executive Committee list can be found on the ISC/SCI website here: https://indexers.ca/contact-us/executive/

Our mailing address is:

  • Indexing Society of Canada / Société canadienne d’indexation (ISC/SCI)
  • 133 Major Street
  • Toronto, ON  M5S 2K9

The Indexing Society of Canada | Société canadienne d’indexation (ISC/SCI) is Canada’s professional society of indexers. Our mission is to encourage the production and use of indexes, promote the recognition of indexers, improve indexing techniques, and foster communication among individual indexers across Canada. Our vision is “Accessible information; informed people.” Learn more at indexers.ca.