Including an index in a yearbook is a common practice in many schools. It can have its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to include one should be made after careful consideration of various factors.
Advantages
The advantages of including an index in a yearbook are many. It can make it much easier for readers to find what they are looking for, whether it’s a particular person’s photo or a specific event. With an index, readers can simply look up a name or keyword, and find the page number where the information is located. This can save a lot of time and effort, especially for those who are looking for something specific.
Downsides
However, there are downsides to including an index as well. Creating an accurate and comprehensive index can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially if the yearbook is large. More and more yearbook companies have software that will create the index for you after you tag photos (like you do on social media). It is so easy! It can also take up valuable space in the back of the book, which could be used for additional photos or content. Depending on the size of your school will depend on how much space it will take up, including your font, text size, and the number of pages you list per student. Plus, if you add faculty and staff, that will add space.
Another potential issue is that not all readers may find an index necessary or useful. Some may prefer to simply browse through the yearbook page by page without the need for a specific reference guide. In addition, an index could potentially spoil the surprise of discovering a photo or event that a reader may not have known about otherwise.
Your Staff Decides
Ultimately, the decision to include an index in a yearbook will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the book, the preferences of the readers, and the available resources for creating an index. While there may be valid arguments for both sides, it ultimately comes down to finding a balance between practicality and aesthetics. Do you index or not? Comment below to see how many do anymore.