Indexing Update

We continue to add new material to our website. To see the latest addition, follow the “Indexing” link on our website which now contains a Quick Reference Guide for Indexing documents. Seven or more years ago, when it became obvious that registry indexes were destined to reside on computers and not in paper books, we began to emphasize indexing standards. Common indexing methods are critical to standardizing registry computer systems. Even if all registries used identical computer systems, user searches would still yield different results unless registry employees enter data into their respective computer systems in the same way. As a step towards this necessary indexing standardization, the Massachusetts Association of Registers and Assistant Registers of Deeds adopted the Massachusetts Deed Indexing Standards in January 2000. These standards are excellent, but they only go so far. Issues that are not covered by the standards are constantly arising, so we have created local rules to supplement these standards. Hopefully, these local rules will lead to a statewide discussion on updating the January 2000 Standards. We will keep you posted on that effort. In the meantime, please check out our Indexing Quick Reference Guide and send us you comments and suggestions.