Direct access filing system is defined as what?

Direct access filing system is defined as what?

• A. It requires an index to be consulted before retrieval.
• B. It stores files alphabetically by last name.
• C. It allows locating a record by going directly to the files under the name of the record.
• D. It uses color-coded labeling.

Answer: (C)

Direct access filing means you can locate a record by going directly to the files under the name of the record, without needing to consult a separate index first. This setup ties the file’s location directly to its name, so retrieval is quick and straightforward because you don’t follow a lookup or guide to find the shelf. If you must use an index before you can find the file, that’s indirect retrieval—the index is the guide you rely on to locate the correct folder. Storing files alphabetically by last name describes a common organization method, but it still relies on following the labeled order to reach the correct file, rather than going straight to the exact folder by name. Color-coded labeling is a visual aid for organization and quick scanning, not the defining method of how you access the file.

Direct access filing means you can locate a record by going directly to the files under the name of the record, without needing to consult a separate index first. This setup ties the file’s location directly to its name, so retrieval is quick and straightforward because you don’t follow a lookup or guide to find the shelf.

If you must use an index before you can find the file, that’s indirect retrieval—the index is the guide you rely on to locate the correct folder. Storing files alphabetically by last name describes a common organization method, but it still relies on following the labeled order to reach the correct file, rather than going straight to the exact folder by name. Color-coded labeling is a visual aid for organization and quick scanning, not the defining method of how you access the file.