HANDBOOK FOR THE SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION AND FILING OF CORRESPONDENCE RECORDS

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
C
Document Page Count: 
101
Document Creation Date: 
December 9, 2016
Document Release Date: 
August 9, 2000
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
October 30, 1953
Content Type: 
REGULATION
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PDF icon CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8.pdf3.78 MB
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0/08/28 : CIA-RDP78-04718A0008002401-8 HANDBOOK FOR THE SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION AND FILING OF CORRESPONDENCE RE>/ORDS CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY OCTOBER 1953 Document No. -------------------------------- No Change In Class. W00" Declassified , ., Class. Changed to: TS $C ~:~+ Next Review Date: Asth.: HIL70-3 rte: By: Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : CIA-RDP78-0 Approved For Release 2000/08/28CoU8-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information Records serve as the "memory function" of an office. They record the history, policies, programs, procedures and administra- tive experiences of an organization. The importance of records does not need to be emphasized. It is obvious that information accumulated in the records of any organization, public or private, is essential to its efficient and continued operation. Whether an office maintains a large volume of records or merely a few drawers of them, they should be kept in such a manner that persons can readily obtain them when needed in connection with their activities. Further, the records of an office should remain usable regardless of personnel or organizational changes. It is necessary, therefore, that some organized plan be used for filing material so that a "key" to the records will always be available and the file arrangement will be understandable to all persons who have to use them. The purpose of this manual is to provide employees of the Central Intelligence Agency who may have the responsibility for fil- ing or finding correspondence records, with a standard system for their orderly arrangement and maintenance. The use of this stand- ard system throughout all offices of the Agency will increase; the administrative usefulness of our records; expedite the disposition of records when they are no longer needed; facilitate the preserv- ation of records having permanent value; and simplify the training of employees. Every effort has been made to make this system a practical and usable tool. However, its successful operation will depend upon the complete cooperation of everyone who uses it. Acting Deputy Director (Administration) CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 2000/08MuiCtA-RiD 43718A000800240001-8 Approved For Release 2000/08/2Xo 8-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information PART ONE - GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS Page Section I. INTRODUCTION A. Scope ............ ......................... 1 B. ResponsibilLty .............. ............. .. 1 C. Definitions........ ........................ 1 Section II. TYPES OF FILES A. General Subject Files... ................... 3 B. Case or Project Files ....................,. 3 C. Alphabetical Name Index .................... 3 Section III, STANDARD FILE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM A. Description ................................ 5 B. File Classification Guide .................. 5 C. Classifying Papers for Filing .............. 5 Section IV. CROSS REFERENCES A. When and How to Prepare Cross References... 10 Section V. FILING THE RECORDS A. Assembling the Papers for Filing........... 11 B. Folder and Guide Arrangements... .......... a 11 C. Placing Material in the Files............... 13 D. File "Cut-off" Periods and Retirement...... 13 Section VI. FINDING AND CHARGING-OUT THE RECORDS A. Finding the Records.......... .............. 15 B. Charging-out the Records.. ................. 15 EXHIBITS Subject File Copy .................................... Exhibit A Alphabetical Name Index Copy ......................... Exhibit B Correspondence Cross Reference., ... oo.toesoo .... oo.** Exhibit C Correspondence Continuity Reference.................. Exhibit D Arrangement of Folders, Guides, and Labels........... Exhibit E Rules for Alphabetic Filing .......................... Exhibit F Correspondence Charge-Out Card........,....,.,...,.., Exhibit G Case File Charge-Out Card....... ... .................. Exhibit H PART TWO - FILE CLASSIFICATION GUIDE AND INDEX Approved For Release 2000/08/2? t421.PAOOO8OO24OOO1 -8 Approved For Release 2000/08/28 C -04718A000800240001-8 Security Information CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 2000/08/28&eC4P R-Dt8'04l7*A000800240001-8 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 2000/08$f IA 4 t -% 4718A000800240001-8 A. Scope. The Standard File Classification System and the attend- ant procedures described herein are prescribed for use in fil- ing and maintaining the correspondence records of the Central Intelligence Agency. Although the system is designed to permit a certain amount of flexibility to meet the specific require- ments of various offices, it is essential that the basic pattern provided herein be followed carefully if an adequate degree of standardization is to be maintained. Further subdivision of any of the subjects listed is permissible to provide for the nec- essary detail which may be required by some offices. "Case" or Rproject" files may be established under any subject as required. B. Responsibility. The Records Management Staff of the General Services Office, through subordinates and designated Area Records Officers in other organizational elements, has technical custody and responsibility for the proper maintenance and disposition of official records of the Agency. The Records Management Staff will furnish to operating offices maintaining official records all assistance possible in the establishment of their files, in- eluding procedures for maintenance, servicing and retirement of the records. C. Definitions. 1. Official Records. The term "records" as defined in the Act of July 7, 1941 (57 Stat. 380, as amended; LtI U.S.C. 366), includes "all books, papers, maps, photographs, or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or char- acteristics, made or received by any agency of the United States Government in pursuance of Federal law or in connec- tion with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legit- imate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activ- ities of the Government or because of the informational value of data contained therein." Each file containing the official record copies of any mate. rial defined above shall constitute an "official file" and should include the original incoming communication and the initialed yellow copies of outgoing and inter-office cor- respondence; original or action copies of reports, executed forms, maps, photographs, and other documentary materials. The official record copies shall not be maintained in any Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : C$ANR ? 4718A000800240001-8 Security Information Approved For Releas%a o,* DP78-04718A000800240001-8 organizational unit not specifically designated as an Official File Station, Reference material consisting of printed or duplicated copies of publications, extra copies of communications used as reading files, and other material considered as temporary working papers are not included in the definition of official records, and such non-record material shall not be inter-filed with official records. 2. Official File Stations. The term "Official File Station" shall be construed to mean any specifically designated organizational element of the Central Intelligence Agency where the official record copies of correspondence and other documents are maintained. The physical location of official file stations shall be determined by the heads of the individual Offices and Staffs, with the technical advice of the Records Management Staff. CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 2880Y6 8 e b? 78-04718A000800240001-8 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 2000/08&8u:x 1A-R1 7ratd44?18A000800240001-8 A. General Subject Files. The General Subject Files are consider- edlthose types of paper records which ordinarily include cor- respondence, reports and other documents which may be classified and filed under all or many of the subject categories included in the File Classification Guide. The general subject material is distinguished from that which is ordinarily identified as, "case'f or "project" files as described in the next paragraph. B. Case or Project Files. A case or project file is described as a file comprised of material relating to a specific action; trans- action, person, organization$ location or thing... yet may cover one or many subjects pertaining to the specific case or project. Types of case or project files may include voucher files., contracts., loan cases, construction projects, leases, litigation cases, and many similar types. Case or project files may be included as a apart from such files. As a general rule the volume and use ma~ of these records should dictate their arrangement, C. Al habetical Name Index. The Alphabetical Name Index is a finding medium through which correspondence and other documents filed by subject may be located when the available source of identification is the name of the correspondent, the name of the author of a document.. or the name of an individual or organization referred to in correspondence or documents. It is not always necessary or advisable to establish a name index to the subject file, Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the actual need for such an index before establishing one. In other words, the Alphabetical Name Index should not be established at any Official File Station 1. the quantity of material filed by subject is so small that no difficulty will be encountered in locating it by subject; 2. the type of records filed is susceptible to an alphabetical arrangement by names within the subject files; or the type of material can be located easily by case or project symbol, number, or other means of identification., without the aid of an alphabetical index, -3- Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : CIACR 'b 18A000800240001-8 Security Information Approved For Relea%%,, MR U',RDP78-04718AO00800240001-8 If the Alphabetical Name Index is used it shall be composed of extra copies (pink tissue) of out going correspondence. and CIA Form 36-150 or 36-l3OA., "Correspondence Cross Reference." Section V paragraph B-3 describes the arrangement of folders and guides for the Alphabetical name Index. -4- CONFIDE?3TIAL Approved For Release 20OW ItMM- 6P78-04718A000800240001-8 Approved For Release 2000/fat ?M718A000800240001-8 Section III STANDARD FILE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM A. Description. onon. The file classification system adopted for use in tie Central Intelligence Agency is known as the "Subject- Numeric System of Classifying and Filing." This system is an .adaptation of both the simple subject and.numerical coding systems. It retains the simplicity of the alphabetical arrange- ment of subject titles, brings together related subjects and provides file designations consisting of a combination of des- criptive subject titles., with related subjects organized as sub- divisions of the primary subjects. The subdivisions of the primary subjects are assigned simple Arabic numerals to reduce time and effort in marking material for filing and to make it easy to memorize the filing designations, B. File Classification Guide. The file classification guide contain- ed in Part Two of this handbook is divided into two parts, as follows: 1, A subject list consisting of a group of alphabetically arrang- ed primary subject titles with their related secondary and suggested tertiary subdivisions. 2. An index consisting of an alphabetical listing of all of the subject titles and other appropriate references. It serves the same purpose as an index'to a book. C. Classifying Papers for Filing. The process of classifying in- vo .ves the analysis of correspondence or other documents to determine the subject by which they should be filed, and the placing of file designations on material to show where it should be placed in the file. 1. Importance of the Process. Papers received for classifying and filing may cover a wide variety of subjects. Also a number of papers involving one particular subject may be inter- mingled with those of other subjects. The file classification system is designed so that all of the papers on related sub- jects will be consistently and logically brought together in the files. However,, sound judgment and careful attention must be given to the procedures which follow if the classifica- tion process is to be accomplished satisfactorily. THE ABILITY TO LOCATE PAPERS PROMPTLY AFTER THEY ARE FILED DEPENDS LARGELY UPON THE CARE USED WHEN CLASSIFYING MATERIAL BEFORE Approved For Release 2000/08/2&;AWI M- 4ll?A000800240001-8 Approved For Rele;~%qA fj -RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 2. Method of Classifying, The following are the normal procedures to follow when classifying material for filing. a. Read and analyze the correspondence or other material to determine the most outstanding or prominent subject, that is, the subject by which the papers will most likely be requested. b. Select the proper file designation by referring directly to the subject list or index of the File Classification Guide, in the following manner: (1) determine the appropriate primary subject category, such as TRAVEL, PERSONNEL, etc. For example, a letter concerning recruitment of personnel would fall under the primary subject PERSONNEL. (2) select the appropriate sub- division under the primary subject, if any. For example, a letter concerned with budget estimates would be classified by the secondary subject BUDGET ESTIMATES, a subdivision of the primary subject APPROPRIATIONS. Similar reasoning'is applicable for the selection of tertiary subjects. If no appropriate subdivisions of the primary subject have been provided, the primary subject self is used as the file designation. c. Stamp or write the file designation in the upper right corner of the subject file copy (yellow tissue), as shown in Exhibit "A" or in the same position on any in, coming correspondence which did not require a reply. The file designation consists of the full primary sub- ject title followed by the Arabic numeral or numerals representing the subdivision of the primary subject. For example: The file designation ACCOUNTING 1 denotes the proper file classification for material to be filed under the primary subject "ACCOUNTING," and the secondary subdivision "Accounts Current". d. Mark the Alphabetical Name Index Copies (if the index is 5eing employed) at the same time the file designation is placed on the subject file copy, by placing the same file designation by which the subject copy is to be filed, in the upper right corner of the pink copy as shown in Exhibit "B". This file designation will indicate where the material is located in the subject file. Also after the file designations are placed on the file copies, the name, title, etc., under which the name index copies are to be filed should be underscored on such copies. The following are examples of how the papers should be marked: -6. W Approved For Release 2000 ' T4A-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information Approved For Release 2000/08P!F-Td!1ATeP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information (1) Correspondence addressed to private individuals should be filed by the last name of the individual addressed. Example of marking: Mrs. Mary Brown 1220 Ivy SST Seattle 5, Washington (2) Correspondence addressed to officials of commerical concerns should be filed under the name of the company or organization. Example of marking: x Mr. John Doe, Manager American Machine Corporation Chicago 12, Illinois (3) Correspondence addressed to officials within the agency should be filed under the name of the principal organizational unit addressed, disregard- ing such terms as Office of. Example of marking: Memo to: U. R. Wright, Records Services Division General Services Office (L) Correspondence addressed to individuals in other Federal agencies should be filed under the name of the agency. Example of marking. X Mr. Joseph Black Chief., Aeronautic Branch Department of Commerce Washington 25, Dom`. - e. Indicate the cross references to be prepared in the o lowing manner.- (1) For the Subject Files. If the material being c assified involves one or more additional sub- jects by which it is likely to be requested, or a single subject with more than one interpreta- tion, select the file designation for the addi- tional subject(s) and stamp or write it imme- diately below the file designation already shown for the main, most prominent subject. In such instances, a cross mark "X" should be placed at the left of the file designation to indicate that a cross reference is required, as follows: Approved For Release 2000/08/2?~cM--9 4I0' A000800240001-8 Approved For Release t2OOIIi : CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information RECORDS 4 (2) For the Alphabetical Name Index, If the alphabetical name index copy is to be filed in the name index by the name of an organization, indicate by placing a cross mark "X" above the first letter of the last name of the individual addressed, that a cross reference is to be made for filing by the name of the individual. Like- wise, indicate cross references to be prepared for any names of persons or organizations referred to in the body of the correspondence or document. f. Note earlier material to be brought forward and consol- idated wi ater correspondence. an indication of earlier correspondence or documents is discovered, this fact should be noted on the correspondence to indicate that the earlier material should be removed from the file and consolidated with the material of the later date. See Section IV paragraph A-2 for instructions regarding preparation of CIA Form 36-151, "Correspondence Continuity Reference." 3. Helpful Hints to the Classifier. a. While some analytical ability is desirable, the knack of noticing essential key phrases and ideas in correspond- ence elps to select correct file designations. However, if the subject cannot be easily determined, it is helpful to consider the correspondence in this light: "Why was it written - What reason was there that prompted the writer to write it?" Usually it will be found that the purpose for writing suggests the subject under which it should be filed. b. It is helpful at times to refer to previous correspond- ence already on file to verify a tentatively selected file designation. c. In unusual cases the subject of correspondence is so vague that it is difficult to determine the proper file designation. In such cases, there need be no hesitancy in going to the dictator or other authoritative sources to obtain a sufficiently clearer conception of the sub- ject matter, so that the material may be properly clas- sified. This extra effort will permit more accurate filing and facilitate finding the material. Approved For Release 2q ~Mo j;, Rp78-04718A000800240001-8 Approved For Release 2000/9?1 .W78-04718A000800240001-8 'ty orma ion d. The subject line frequently appearing above the body of correspondence should not be relied upon too heavily in determining the subject under which the correspond- ence should be filed. It may be vague, misleading or even remote from the real subject of correspondence concerned, e. Persons responsible for classifying and filing records should study the organizational and functional structure of the Agency and keep currently informed regarding policies, procedures, programs and projects. Such knowl- edge is required in the selection of correct file des- ignations for filing some papers. corrf,~ T 7 Approved For Release 2000~1,~~ 1~,04718A000800240001-8 Approved For Release 128I CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information Section IV A. When and How to Prepare Cross References. The use of appropriate cross references in the file or index can be an invaluable aid in locating material quickly when needed. Care should be taken, however, to avoid making and filing unnecessary cross references which will consume time in preparation and space in the files. The following are normal conditions under which cross references should be made. 1. When More Than One Subject is Involved. For those documents, which cover one or more additional subjects as indicated in Section III paragraph C-2-e, an extra copy of the document, if available, should be used or CIA Form 36-150 or 36-150A, "Correspondence Cross Reeference,'t should be prepared, as shown in Exhibit "C". 2. To Consolidate Related Material. When it is necessary to bring it d ate forward earlier correspondence or documents and consoli with subsequent material as explained in Section III paragraph C-2, CIA Form 36-151, "Correspondence Continuity Reference," as shown in Exhibit "D", should be prepared. To Provide Alphabetical Name References. When incoming letters are file without replies or extra copies of correspondence are not available for filing in the alphabetical name index, name references should be made on CIA Form 36-150 or 36-150A. Also, such references may be prepared for names of individuals or organizations referred to in the body of the correspondence. -10- A roved For Relea C? I ENTIAL pp %@' fi ~ArPDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Approved For Release 2000LOQdOI~F ? 78-04718A000800240001-8 ecurity information A. Assembling the Papers for Filing. After correspondence and documents are marked with the correct filing designation, they should be properly assembled preparatory to filing. Each unit of material consisting of two or more papers relating to a particular transaction should be arranged in chronological order with the latest date on top. Such papers should be fastened together with staples in both upper corners of the assembly, or with pring fasteners if the unit of material is too thick for staples. B. Folders and Guide Arrangement. The orderly appearance and efficiency of any file depends to a large extent upon the careful preparation, use and arrangement of folders and guides in the file drawer. Folders are necessary to keep the papers together and in order. Guides serve as 'tsign posts" to help speed up filing and finding operations. The incorrect use of either folders or guides will retard, rather than aid, these operations. To provide for uniformity as to types of folders and guides and their arrangement, the following standards should be adhered to, as far as practicable; 1. General Subject File. a. Folders and File Des' nations. Kraft folders, 11-point weight, square-cut,, without reinforced tabs meet requirements of the General Subject Files. Such folders should be prepared only for those subject titles for which there is a definite current or anticipated need. If there is little or no need for the use of subdivisions of some of the primary subjects, folders for those sub- divisions should not be placed in the files. If an occasional piece of correspondence is classified under a secondary or tertiary subject, the material should be placed in the primary subject folder. When a primary subject folder contains ten or more file units with the same secondary or tertiary designation, a separate folder should be prepared for the material. File designations may be typed directly on the folder tabs if a long carriage typewriter with special type larger than the elite or pica style is available. If such a typewriter is not available, gummed labels may be used. In either case the file designations (or labels,) Approved For Release 2000/08/2? itr V 8A000800240001-8 Approved For Release 49 '2 CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information for any primary, secondary or tertiary subjects contained in the File Classification Guide should be placed uniformly on the folder tab beginning one-half inch from the left. Labels or file designations for case or project files established within the General Subject File, should be placed in the center of the folder. See Exhibit "E" for an illustration of the correct method of preparing and placing file designa- tions on folders. b, Guides. Pressboard Guides, with metal angular tabs, one- rd-cut, should be used in the General Subject Files. Tabs will be used in the following manner: SECOND posi- tion for all primary subjects; and THIRD position for secondary subjects. See Exhibit "E" for illustration of proper arrangement of guides and the correct method of writing designations on guide inserts. c. Arrangement Within the File Cabinets. Folders and guides should be arranged in the file drawer in the exact se- quence in which the primary, secondary and tertiary sub- jects appear in the File Classification Guide, starting from the front of the drawer, with the guides preceding the related folders. The sequence of the drawers should be from top to bottom of the cabinet. 2. Case or Project Files. Kraft folders, 11 point weight, square- ou reinforced tabs., with fasteners may be used for case or project files, but their arrangement may vary according to types. Case or project files may be established within the General Subject Files or physically separated depending upon the type and specific reference needs of the organizational element. 3. Alphabetical Name Index. a. Folders and Guides. The same type of folder and guide described for use in the General Subject Files should be used for the Alphabetical Name Index. Alphabetical captions may be typed directly on the folders, or labels may be used if a suitable typewriter with large style type is not available for typing on the folder. If it is difficult to determine in advance how large the index will be, it is advisable to start first with a folder for each letter of the alphabet and make folders for subdivisions of these letters as the file grows. Special folders for common names, such as "Smith," "Brown," "Adams," etc., and names of organizations or individuals with which the organization has frequent correspondence may be made as required. Approved For Release 200(J&qfA3m~-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information Approved For Release 200008/28N OIA P78-04718A000800240001-8 ecurity Information b, Rules for Alphabetic Filing. Exhibit "F" is a conk e e set of rules for alphabetic filing. All persons having the responsibility for filing records should thoroughly familiarize themselves with these rules, so that, regardless of who does the filing there will be consistency in the arrangement of the index references. C. Placing Material in the Files. After material to be filed has been classified and marked for filing, the papers should be segregated as to types of files preparatory to actually placing them in the files. For example, General Subject File material should be arranged alphabetically by the primary subject categories appearing on the documents. Index references for the Alphabetical Name Index should be arranged in alphabetical order before proceeding with the filing operation, 1. Arrangement Within the Folder. When filing the material, place each assembly within t He proper folder with the left side of the papers down. Units of material for filing should be arranged in the folder in chronological order with the latest date forward, unless a different arrangement will facilitate its use. All material should be filed loose in the folders except for case or project material which should be fastened to the folder. Folders should not be overfilled. Three-quarters of an inch is the normal capacity of a folder. When the capacity of the folder has been reached, additional material on the same subject or case should be placed in another folder and arranged with the folder containing the more current records in front. The date period of the material should be shown on the tab of each of the earlier folders. 2. Breakin Down Voluminous Case or Project Files. The amount of material accumulating in connection with a single case or project may become too voluminous for filing in one folder, Rather than file the papers pertaining to the project or case in two or more folders, chronologically, the reference use of the material comprising the complete case may be facilitated by dividing the material into several action phases of the case and filing it in separate folders under the project or case designation. A voluminous single project requires too many individual folders to afford easy reference to the material if filed in straight chronological order from the date of the first document to the latest. D. File "Cut-off" Periods and Retirement. The termination of filing activity in a series of records at a predetermined point and the starting of a new series of records of the same type with currently -13- Approved For Release 2000/08/28 SM7,8-04718A000800240001-8 Security Inf orma ti on Approved For Release MM : CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security Information dated material is termed "cut-off" procedure. The purpose of applying a cut-off procedure to record series is to facilitate retirement of the older records. To facilitate the application of a cut-off procedure folders should bear the year, in which the material was created, on the right side of the tab, ending approximately one-half inch from the right side of the folder. Cut-off periods., such as "1 year of accumulation," "Remove from current file upon comple- tion of transaction," shall be established for each file series in order to prevent accumulation of files beyond the actual current needs of the officials referring to the material. When each cut-off series will be retired to the Records Center shall also be established. During this holding period cut-off of files, material necessary to current functioning may be brought forward and interfiled with material in the new file. However, after expiration of the established holding period, the remaining cut-off portion of the file shall be transferred to the Records Center. When material is withdrawn from the cut-off portion of a file for continued action, CIA Yorm 36-151, "Correspondence Continuity Reference," should be used to identify the material brought forward and indicate the filing location in the current file. The above cut-off and retirement procedure is prescribed in order that office space and equipment requirements will be held to a minimum. _1L. Approved For Releaap nia~jbn-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 CONFIDENTIAL Approved For Release 2000 &8 y QJ R Pj7 04718A000800240001-8 FINDING AND CHARGING-OUT THE RECORDS' The primary purpose of any filing system is to provide an orderly method of arranging and putting documents away so that they may be produced quickly when'needed. Therefore, the successful operation of any system depends upon the ability to locate records promptly. In this connection, the following procedures and techniques are given, which if followed by the searcher, will contribute to the efficient operation of the file system. A. -Finding. the Records. 1. Receivin the Request. The person receiving the request for the file should endeavor to obtain as much informa- tion as possible from the requestor to enable the searcher to identify the needed record, The amount of information required to locate a specific file will depend upon the type of file requested. For most general correspondence files the subject matter and date of the material is most important. However, the name of any individuals, comet panies, organizations, agencies, etc., identified with the correspondence will assist in making the search. 2. Making the Search. As a general rule, material in the General Subject File may be located by going directly to that file, if the requester has supplied adequate informa- tion regarding the subject of the material. If the searcher if not sure of the file designation by which the records may be found., he should consult the File Classification Guide before going to the file. If only name references are given, or if the subject information is not adequate, the searcher should refer to the Alphabetical Name Index (if one is being used) to determine the location of the record in the subject file? Because of the numerous types of project or case files, and since they are more easily identified and located than general subject material, no specific suggestions are given concerning the searching for such records. If the material requested cannot be found in the files, a search should be made of any unfiled records. B. Charging-Out the Records. To insure proper use of records, to prevent their loss and misplacement and to keep informed at all times of the location of records, it is necessary to maintain ?15- Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : Ql&i i94718A000800240001-8 Security Information Approved For Release : CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 Security information control of all material withdrawn from the files. This control is accomplished through a charge-out system. Indi- viduals to whom records have been charged should be held responsible for their custody and prompt return after the records have served their purpose. 1. Removing Individual Records from the Subject File. Each time a record is removed from this file, a corres- pondence charge-out card, as shown in Exhibit "G", should be filled out and placed in the folder in the exact posi- tion from which the material was removed. When the charged record is returned to the files,, the charge-out card is removed and cancelled. 2. Removing Case 'Files. Case files are always charged out in their entirety - entire folders are removed and delivered to the requestor. Upon such removal, fill out CIA Form 36-152, "Case File Charge-Out Card," as shown in Exhibit "H", and file in the exact place from which the folder was removed. When this charged folder is returned to the files, the charge-out card is cancelled and placed horizontally in the folder. This will eliminate the necessity of preparing a new charge-out card each time the case file is withdrawn. 3. Checking the Files for Charged Records. The files should be inspects regularly to insure the return of charged records. The charge-out forms are taller than other ma- terial in the files and can be distinguished readily by a casual inspection. When such inspections reveal that material has not been returned, assure yourself that the material is still in use. Approved For Release 29)j M ej#IAL,k 78-04718A000800240001-8 Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 These Exhibits A and B are included herein to represent copies of correspondence properly classified and marked for filing. Exhibit A shows the placement of the file designation in the upper right corner of the sub- ject file copy (yellow), including the correct method of indicating what cross references should be made. CXpz S~8 J~ 5e uOtj' Tnf?rma to CT FILE n FILE L)FS/GNq aNY Mr. John Doe, Manager American Machine Corporation Chicago 12, Illinois Exhibit B shows where to place the file desig- nation on the alphabetical name index copy (pink), as well as how to underscore the appropriate name reference for the name index. You will find the detailed procedures for classi- fying and marking correspondence explained in paragraph III C of the general instructions. L'26 C XYZ/ABC:mef (1 July 1953) Robert R. Brown Deputy Director Distribution: Orig. & 1 - Addressee 1 - Official File / 1 - Name Index 0 CoNF~ENT14L X_ i~rko z Approved For Release 2000/08/28 : CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 roved For Release 2000/08/28 : CIA-RDP78-04718A000800240001-8 x Mr. John Doe, Manager American Machine Corporation Chicago 12, Illinois Seep ,t 'V7 A io a These Exhibits A and B are included herein to represent copies of correspondence properly classified and marked for filing. Exhibit A shows the placement of the file designation in the upper right corner of the sub- ject file copy (yellow), including the correct method of indicating what cross references should be made. Exhibit B shows where to place the file desig- nation on the alphabetical name index copy (pink), as well as how to underscore the appropriate name reference for the name index. You will find the detailed procedures for classi- fying and marking correspondence explained in paragraph III C of the general instructions. 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