44 THIRTIETH ANNUAL REPORT

and can be used for future index listings or consolidations. The Clerk
can obtain permanent index sheets prepared by data-processing equip-
ment whenever he requests them, usually when his daily index volumes
are filled or after a stated period of time. He also may have several
indexes merged or consolidated, or he may ask for a strictly alpha-
betical listing of names.

The advantages of data-processed indexes may be summed up as
follows:

1. Ease of indexing by typewriter

2. Speed of indexing together all names from one instrument by
listing all parties on the same daily index form

3. Accurate proof-reading of entries listed together

4. Corrections are made easily

5. Typewritten indexes for immediate use by searchers

6. Elimination of future costs for expensive re-indexing

7. Data-processed magnetic tape for security

8. Future consolidation of several sets of indexes by use of
electronic data-processing equipment

The cost of data-processed indexes depends upon the number of
instruments. It ranges from 42c for each instrument (averaging 2.7
names per instrument) in those counties where 20,000 or more instru-
ments a year are indexed, to 60$ per instrument in counties with less
than 5,000. One print-out of permanent index sheets is included in
this cost. Merging or consolidating several sets of data-processed indexes
may be obtained at an additional cost of 2c per line.

Data-processed indexes for the land records are now used in four
Maryland counties and three other Clerks have requested approval to
contract for the service before January 1, 1966. While the service at
present is on a contractual basis, the State may in future years utilize
its own data-processing equipment to provide this service to the Clerks
and Registers.

Although a great deal of time was spent assisting the Clerks of
Court and Registers of Wills with the records problems described
above, we also made progress in other aspects of our program. We