The Hawaiian Shell News was indexed and indices sold (to a very low
number of people after a great amount of work) for the years 1975
through 1996 after which it was no longer printed.  The indices have
been invaluable to such as the editors and specialists in a family.  The
internet version also has an index on CD updated annually.  This is very
helpful if the editor forgets what was said about something the last
time there was an article on the subject.  Too expensive to print,
however.  Having done all the data base work, I can attest to the fact
that a lot of work is involved.

Doing an index for magazines by individuals is too much work (and in
the case of a number of magazines too repetitive).  Making data base
entries on one or two families is quite prractical, however.  If you
read an article that cover your specialty make a data base entry and
save the magazine.  If no articles are of long term interest, save the
magazine in another area, such as a round basket under the desk.
--
                     Aloha from Wesley M. Thorsson
Editor of Internet Hawaiian Shell News, a monthly Internet Publication
           122 Waialeale St, Honolulu, HI  96825-2020,  U.S.A
       http://www.hits.net/~hsn                 [log in to unmask]