a reference indexing device which comprises a base box for supporting a stack of reference cards superimposed thereon , a selection means arranged at the head of the base box for selectively indexing a selected card from the stack of cards and a covering member operatively connected to the base box and having a hanger for picking up and retaining predetermined groups of cards above the selected card while leaving the selected card on the top of the stack of remaining cards on the base box for ready inspection by the operator .