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However, when searching is possible (and it should always be with ebooks), the utility of an index is greatly reduced.
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True to a point, although the ebookninjas podcast explains many reasons why a search function isn't a replacement for an index. If you don't want to listen to the whole podcast, these guys say it best in short-form here:
"Many non-fiction books include subject indexes or other types of indexes at the back of the book. Most eBook conversion houses and will ignore these indexes or just insert them into the eBook without making the page numbers into active links. The misconception many authors and publishers have is that since eBooks are searchable you do not need an actual navigable index. However, subject indexes are much more than just nicely formatted search results. They are informative lists of detailed data found in the book, with topics and subtopics, related areas of interest, and other helpful information. (For an extensive explanation of the value of indexes in eBooks, see our Subject Index services page and listen to our eBook Ninjas podcast on the topic.)"
(from
http://ebookarchitects.com/conversio...p#indexlinking)