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Subject:Re: Tables of contents, figures, and of tables From:Jim Jones <han4yu3 -at- gmail -dot- com> To:Peter Neilson <neilson -at- windstream -dot- net> Date:Mon, 24 Mar 2014 07:12:10 -0500
The tables in the body of a document are formal and informal tables.
Informal tables are not listed in the list of tables I believe.
The TOC, and the List of Tables and List of Figures, are a part of the
front matter of a book.They are 'navigational aids' you could say.
Jim Jones
Twitter @han4yu3
On Mon, Mar 24, 2014 at 5:01 AM, Peter Neilson <neilson -at- windstream -dot- net>wrote:
> On Sun, 23 Mar 2014 23:51:43 -0400, Haim Roman <haim -dot- roman -at- gmail -dot- com>
> wrote:
>
> Is there widely understood term for these 3 types of tables, which also
>> distinguish them from tables that appear in the body of a document?
>>
>
> In my opinion, only the table of contents is necessary. It gives the
> reader an overview of the document. The other two (which might be called
> List of Figures and List of Tables) could be needed where one expects the
> reader to refer frequently to various tables or figures without reading the
> text of the document.
>
> I can imagine a book in which one chapter might consist mostly of figures,
> and which would contain an annotated table, listing the figures and
> explaining the differences among them. That table of figures would belong
> in the chapter, not at the front or back of the book.
>
> For a new document you should evaluate the needs of the readers, by
> interviewing them or by testing various designs. Ask them, "What do you
> think of having a 'Table of Tables' on this page? Is it helpful? Should I
> call it a List of Tables? What would you prefer to see?" Will they access
> the book in printed form, or through an electronic device with a searching
> facility?
>
> For a revision, or for a new document within an existing set, follow the
> existing plan. If a military or industrial standard requires a 'Table of
> Tables' (even if it has only a single entry!) don't fight it. Put in a
> 'Table of Tables'. If you feel ambitious, join the committee that oversees
> the standards.
>
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