What is a disadvantage of alphabetical filing systems?

• A. Requires more shifting of folders.
• B. They require less maintenance.
• C. They expand automatically.
• D. They always improve retrieval speed.

Answer: (A)

Alphabetical filing keeps items in A–Z order by name, which works well for small sets but becomes a drawback as the collection grows. The main disadvantage is the need to shift folders to insert a new item in its proper place. That extra handling takes time, increases labor, and raises the risk of misfiling, especially when many folders lie after the insertion point. As the filing system expands, maintaining order can slow updates and, paradoxically, can also complicate retrieval if you have to navigate a larger, shifting middle section. The other statements don’t fit because alphabetical filing isn’t inherently low-maintenance, doesn’t expand automatically, and doesn’t guarantee faster retrieval every time—large or evolving files typically don’t benefit from a simple alphabetical approach without additional organization or indexing.