What is the correct order for completing these three steps for an alphabetic filing system?

What is the correct order for completing these three steps for an alphabetic filing system?

• A. Indexing, Coding, Sorting
• B. Sorting, Coding, Indexing
• C. Coding, Indexing, Sorting
• D. Coding, Sorting, Indexing

Answer: (A)

In an alphabetic filing system, you start by indexing to capture the identifying terms that will be used for retrieval, such as names or subjects. Next, you apply coding to convert those indexing terms into standardized codes that can be used consistently across all records. Finally, you sort based on those codes so the items are arranged in alphabetical (or coded) order for quick locating. This order works because coding relies on the indexed terms, and sorting depends on having a consistent code to follow. If you tried to sort before coding, the order wouldn’t be reliable; if you indexed after sorting, you’d risk misalignment with the intended coded sequence.

In an alphabetic filing system, you start by indexing to capture the identifying terms that will be used for retrieval, such as names or subjects. Next, you apply coding to convert those indexing terms into standardized codes that can be used consistently across all records. Finally, you sort based on those codes so the items are arranged in alphabetical (or coded) order for quick locating. This order works because coding relies on the indexed terms, and sorting depends on having a consistent code to follow. If you tried to sort before coding, the order wouldn’t be reliable; if you indexed after sorting, you’d risk misalignment with the intended coded sequence.