Book index and Periodical indexing are two aspects of indexing system. Those have many differences. Some of them are mention below:
| Book Index | Periodical index |
| Compiled only once and within a relatively short time and usually performed by a person. | A continuous process and more often performed by a term of indexers and lasting for an extended period. |
| Deals with a more or less well-defined central topic. | Deals with a great variety of topics. |
| Indexing terms are almost always derived from the text. | Terminology must be consistent and derived from controlled vocabulary. |
| Specificity is largely governed by the text itself. | Terms are prescribed be a controlled vocabulary and their level of specificity may be lower than the book index. |
| Every single page of a book must be read. | Articles are scanned for indexable items and may rely on an abstract or summary compiled. |
| Entire text is virtually subject to indexing. | A periodical index will depend on a number of policy decisions. |
| Always bound with the intended text. | Compiled separately. |
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