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Online Indexing Training Module

NOTE: This is archived content, and may be out of date.

In 2005 the National Library of Medicine (NLM) began using an online training module developed in-house for training new MEDLINE indexing staff. Based on the syllabus that had been used to train MEDLINE indexers in a more formal classroom method of instruction, the online course is designed to introduce a student to the principal concepts of indexing. For new MEDLINE indexers, it is always supplemented by a long period of intense mentorship at NLM that takes place between a new indexer and his/her reviser, who reviews and corrects all of the indexer's work.

Recognizing that the indexing module may contain valuable information for graduate programs in library and information science, we have made a freely accessible Internet version of the training module is available. In addition to providing information on the principal concepts of indexing, the module includes online exercises that may be beneficial to both individuals learning about indexing as well as online searching.

When using the MEDLINE Indexing: Online Training Course, please note that some links are not active, because they point to documentation that is currently available only to internal NLM staff. This module was designed for use in Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, some parts of the course will not function in other browsers.

An additional resource that may be of interest to PubMed users is the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH®) in MEDLINE®/PubMed®: A Tutorial, an instructional site about Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and how to use them to search MEDLINE®/PubMed® for medical literature and information.

Last Reviewed: November 1, 2018