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I know that when one requests a book to index, one is given a time limit on when you must begin indexing. Is there a time limit on when you must finish? I'm curious because some fairly short cookbooks that I have been watching have been "indexing now" for over a year. And yes, I realize that there are long cookbooks for which that is reasonable - so I'm not complaining, just curious.

Hi Mjes - speaking as a member indexer - when I lodge a request to member index a book to when its finally approved can vary.  There are loads of variables - It depends on how enthusiastic I am; what the weather's like - winter is more productive!; how full my social calendar might be and that's just my side of the fence .. then there's EYB's proofing & checking (by Sydney who is inundated).  I average 25 recipes an hour, most books seem to have an average of 250 recipes.. say 10 hours , finding an hour a week , is 10 weeks to submit.. then its over to EYB .. and the time proofing takes  can vary based on their work load. Sometimes a submitted book is approved within a couple of weeks other times a couple of months. I've not seen any "rules" for member indexers that specify a time to return indexes for proofing. If you're concerned about a particular book and you want to see it indexed and are willing to take it on I'm sure EYB would accommdate that interest ;-) I'm now down to my "not in EYB library" books to submit MI requests for .. but of those in EYB's catalogue over 96% of my books are now indexed.. up on around only 25% indexed when I joined!

There doesn't seem to be a  time limit for indexing a book, but life can get in the way!  

There was a thread about this a few years back and the answer was to email EYB (probably Deborah) so that they can contact whoever is indexing it and see if they wish to continue.  If not (and you are prepared to take it on) the book can be unassigned then you can offer to index it.  You do get access to everything that has already been indexed for a book, so you're not starting from scratch, although when I did this the previous indexer had only done about 5 or 6 recipes.  I think sometimes people decide they want to index a book but then get overwhelmed by the task.

FJT, you are right on all counts! I'm the person to contact ([email protected]) to check on the status of an Indexing Now title that seems to have stalled or be taking much longer than expected...although as was mentioned, it can take a very long time for a large book, or even for a smaller one when life intervenes! Providing a link to the book in the Library, or at least the full title and ISBN, will speed up the process. 

Originally Posted by: debkellie

 I'm now down to my "not in EYB library" books to submit MI requests for .. but of those in EYB's catalogue over 96% of my books are now indexed.. up on around only 25% indexed when I joined!

Can I be jealous? Only 33% of my books in EYB are indexed - and another 1/3 of my collection is pre-ISBN. I wish I could work at a steady 5 recipes a day but I'm still sharpening my skills on short books.