What is the purpose of this survey?
Over the past several years, the American Society for Indexing (ASI) has experienced a steady decline in membership. In response to this concerning trend, ASI established a committee to examine the factors contributing to the decline and to develop actionable recommendations to help reverse the trend.
The ASI Engagement and Value Survey was created to better understand the needs of indexers, including ASI members and nonmembers. Information gathered through the survey will help ASI leadership prioritize offerings and to identify opportunities to better align the organization with the needs of indexers.
Because ASI promotes excellence in indexing and works to increase awareness of the value of well-written indexes, the health of the organization is important for all indexers, regardless of membership in the organization.
Is the survey confidential?
Yes. To encourage honest and thoughtful feedback, the survey does not collect identifying information unless you choose to provide it. Respondents may voluntarily include their name and contact information if they would like to ask a question or share additional information. Otherwise, there will be no way to identify individual respondents.
I’m not an ASI member. Can I still participate in the survey?
Absolutely. An important part of this analysis is hearing from current ASI members, former members, and indexers who have never belonged to ASI. Because ASI advocates for the profession of indexing within the publishing industry, its work benefits indexers regardless of membership status.
We want to better understand the needs and perspectives of the broader indexing community, and we strongly encourage nonmembers to participate.
How will my comments be used?
Following the survey analysis, a full report will be presented to the ASI Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and other key leaders. Written comments from the survey may be included in these reports, but no identifying information will be attached to them.
A summary of findings will also be shared with the indexing community, and selected comments may be included there as well. Again, all responses will remain anonymous unless explicit permission is granted otherwise.
Is this the same as the Salary Survey?
No. Every five years, ASI conducts a Salary Survey, and the next Salary Survey will take place in 2026. This Engagement & Value Survey is a separate initiative with a different purpose.
To avoid confusion between the two surveys, the Salary Survey will be distributed later in the fall. Participation in both surveys is valuable, as each gathers different types of information that help support the profession and the organization.
When do I need to complete the survey, and how long will it take?
We anticipate that the survey will take approximately eight minutes to complete, depending on the level of detail provided in your responses.
The survey will remain open until July 17, 2026.
What else is ASI doing to strengthen the organization?
In addition to conducting this survey, ASI is speaking with leaders from other industry associations, conducting a financial review, and holding one-on-one interviews with indexers and other stakeholders. The combined findings from these efforts will help inform the committee’s recommendations for the organization’s future direction.
Can I participate in the one-on-one interviews?
Yes! You can express interest in participating in one of two ways:
- You may leave your name and contact information on the survey. A committee member will then contact you with additional information.
- If you prefer not to attach your name to your survey responses, you may email the committee chair, Jen Weers. Jen will respond with further instructions.
The information provided through the interviews will also be anonymous. The identity of the interviewee will be known only by the interviewer. No other identification information will be provided to the remainder of the committee, the Board of Directors, Executive Director, or other leaders.
What else can I do to help?
You can help by extending ASI’s reach. Share the survey with indexers who aren’t members of ASI and encourage your indexer-friends to partake in the survey. Like, comment, and share posts on LinkedIn and other social media. A large response to the survey will ensure that the needs of the indexing community are properly represented.