Tips for setting up an open-shelf, end-tab labeling system?

March 2, 2015 2:18 PM

I'm trying to set up an open-shelf file labeling system, but I haven't ever used one, and I'm having a hard time finding clear information online about how to set one up.

• My filing system consists of 5 departments.
• For each department, there are several projects folders.
• For each department, there are various documentation folders. Some have just one folder per type, others have several folders per type. For documentation types with several folders, folders are organized alphabetically. An example with only one folder would be (Department) Accounting -> (Documentation Type) Bank Statements. An example with several folders would be (Department) Accounting -> (Documentation Type) Vendor Invoices -> (Moar Folders) Alpha Co., Beta Co., Delta Co., etc.
• Additionally, in one department, there are 2 sets of 12 folders organized by month (one folder for each month in each set).

I don't need labels for years.

I've always used top-tab, drawer-based systems, with the full section/folder title and maybe a color on the label. End-tab labels seem to consist of color blocks and patterns, letters, and numbers, and I'm not sure how to integrate that. I feel stupid for asking, and I'm sure the answer will be obvious once I see it. Thanks for your help.

posted by Eolienne to Work & Money