Section 3: Hard Copy File Management
Visual Techniques
The principle of organizing files for retrieval also applies
to hard copy filing systems. Hard copy file management techniques
include the use of file coding and folder labeling as primary retrieval aids.
File Coding
File coding is a shorthand identification of the major and
minor group and folder number to identify where records are located
and simplify routine filing and retrieval. File codes on folder
labels and in File Plans should mean something to users and help
identify the contents of the file.
For example, a folder label has 3.CON 2 entered in the upper
left corner. This file code represents the second file folder in
the minor group Contracts (CON), in major group number 3, which
may be business or project records that include contracts as a minor
group. The label may also contain the contractor's name, the contract
number or other identifying information.
The following table lists acronyms used in file codes of minor
groups found in many offices. Create other codes as needed.
Minor Groups and Codes
Code | Minor Group | Code | Minor Group |
---|---|---|---|
ACC | Accounting, Stock Accounts, etc. | LIC | Licenses |
ADM | Administrative Operations, Administration (may include accounting, budget, etc.) | LIT | Litigation |
AG | Attorney General’s Office | MAN | Manuals |
AGR | Agreements | MAP | Maps and Charts |
AUD | Audits | MAT | Material Files, Material Records |
AUS | Austin Headquarters Correspondence, Reports, etc. | MGT | Management, Program Management, etc. |
BRG | Bridge | MNT | Maintenance |
BUD | Budget | PER | Personnel, Human Resources |
CLM | Claims | PIO | Public Information, Public Relations |
CON | Contracts, Contract Monitoring, etc. | PMT | Permits |
COR | Correspondence | POL | Policies |
CUR | Current Directives, Current Project, etc. | PRE | Preliminary Bids, Preliminary Plans, etc. |
DD | Division Director | PRG | Program Files (or files related to ongoing functional programs, etc.) |
DE | District Engineer | PRO | Project Files, Procedures |
DIR | TxDOT Directives, Administrative Circulars, Administrative or District/Division Announcements, etc. | PUB | Publications, Purchase Orders |
EQP | Equipment (use MAJ or MIN if needed) | REF | Reference |
FIN | Financial | REG | Regulations |
GEN | General Correspondence, General Reports, etc. | REQ | Requirements, Requisitions, Requests |
INR | Internal Reviews, Internal Audits, Sunset | RES | Resident, Research |
IPE | Investigation and Planning Expense | RPT | Reports |
ISS | Issues | RRX | Railroad Crossing |
LED | Ledgers | SAF | Safety |
LEG | Legal, Legislative, Legislature | TOR | Tort Claims |
LET | Letting Files, Letters | TRN | Transitory Files, Reading Files |
Organizing and Labeling File Folders and Guides
Each file folder holds a specific set of related records.
There are many ways to arrange file folders within a major or minor
group. Keep the following in mind when organizing files:
- Think about retrieving information rather than storing paper.
- Use specific titles for major groups, minor groups, and file folders, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Do not use “Miscellaneous” as a title; it is another word for “lost.”
- Arrange folders functionally and logically. The arrangement should relate directly to office functions and provide the most convenient access to the most active files.
- Use color to distinguish files that are purged routinely from files retained for a long time. Colored labels may identify a specific time, such as calendar or fiscal year. The less that retention periods vary among various folders, the easier it is to manage the files. White labels can identify files that are not routinely purged.
- Include reference to automated or non-standard records and files. Use file guides to tell users that automated or imaged files exist, where they are and how to access them.
Setting Up Files
Steps in organizing hard copy files include:
- Preparing file guides.
- Preparing labels for file folders and drawers.
- Coding records.
- Cross-referencing files.
- Organizing files according to the File Plan.
- Distributing the File Plan.
Preparing File Guides
Prepare a file guide (divider) for each major and minor group
of file folders.
Major group guides should include the major group number and
title, “1. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT,” for example minor group
guides should include the appropriate major group number, minor
group code, and minor group title. For a minor group of audit folders
within the major group of organization and management, the guide
label would consist of “1. AUD Audits.”
Major group guides should be distinguishable from minor group
guides immediately. An easy way to do this is to use a second-position
guide (center tab) for major groups and a first-or third-position guide
(tab on the left or right) for minor groups.
For electronic files, microfilm files or files located
away from the file cabinets, prepare a guide that tells where to
find the files. For example, if files are maintained electronically on
a shared drive, a directory address, such as “SEE T:\Folder\Sub-folder
name” may be useful.
When using color coded folder labels as a file management
tool, use plain white guide labels to avoid having to prepare new
file guides every year.
Preparing Folder Labels and Color Coding
Use color-coded labels to distinguish folders maintained on
a periodic (fiscal or calendar year) basis, and white for folders
that are not routinely purged which remain in the files year after
year.
The folder label describes where a folder belongs in the files
and what is in it. Each label should include the file code, folder
title or content description and, if needed, a date for the contents.
Although space on labels is limited, including additional
information, such as identification of record copies and destruction
date can be helpful in file management.
For extensive or complicated filing systems, labeling systems
using large, easily visible letters, numbers and dates in varying
color combinations and tab configurations are available from commercial
vendors.
Bar code technology is also commercially available for large
file systems with significant retrieval activity.
Preparing File Drawer Labels
Use file drawer labels to identify the contents of each drawer.
If room permits, list the titles and/or codes, dates, or other identifying
information for beginning and ending major and minor groups in the
drawer.
Coding Records for Filing
Ease of retrieval and successful file management depends on
accurate filing. Entering the file code on a document tells at a
glance where it belongs in the files. The most effective method
of coding is to enter the appropriate file code, consisting of the
major group number, three-letter minor group acronym, and appropriate
folder number in a prominent place, such as the upper right corner
on each document as a routine office procedure when documents are
created or received. This can be automated by including the file
code in headers or footers on template documents related to functions
or activities. It may not be feasible to code all existing files,
but when a file is retrieved, it can be coded for accurate refiling.
Documents copied and filed in various locations need more
than one code. Circle the code for the file folder where the copy
of the document belongs.
Cross-References
Avoid filing multiple copies of records. When a record appears
to belong in more than one place, prepare a file guide pointing
to the proper location of the record. This method reduces the chance
of inadvertently retaining convenience copies after the official
record has been destroyed.
Charge-Out Card
When a user removes a file folder from the files, the folder should be replaced with a charge-out record card containing the date of removal, a brief description of the folder removed (label information usually suffices), and the name and phone number of the user.
Charge-Out cards serve as both a placeholder and identification of the person who has removed a file from the principle residence (file room or box). Routine reviews for files removed from centralized or controlled areas should be made to ensure those files marked on the charge-out forms are returned to their proper location as soon as possible.
Standard charge-out record cards are available from TxDOT office supply sources. It is a good idea to keep a few cards at the front of each file drawer. When a user returns a checked-out folder, the user's name can be marked out and the card re-used. An example of a standard charge-out card follows:

Figure 9-3. Example of a Charge-Out Card.