These are then broken down alphabetically into more precise subjects. Major subject headings appear on dividers and secondary headings as well as major headings appear on individual folders. Geographic systems use location to arrange records. Major headings can be countries, states, counties, cities or any other geographic location. Secondary headings are arranged alphabetically under these major headings.
Numeric classifications use numbers or dates to arrange information.
Straight numeric systems simply number files consecutively and arrange them in sequence. Straight numeric systems are simple to use, simple to manage, and simple to expand. There are problems with straight numeric systems, however. High activity files are often grouped, leading to congestion. It is also difficult to assign blocks of files to individuals for filing and retrieving.