In a filing system, what is the correct filing sequence for these entries: Ripley, Adam; Ripley Jana; Ripley, Adam J.; Ripley, Arthur?

• A. 1, 2, 3, 4
• B. 1, 3, 2, 4
• C. 1, 3, 4, 2
• D. 3, 1, 2, 4

Answer: (C)

In a surname-first filing system, you group all entries under the same family name and then order by the given name. A middle initial is used to differentiate variants of the same person, and the form with the middle initial is treated as a distinct, more specific entry that takes precedence over the plain form for sorting within that surname group.

Here, all entries share the last name Ripley. The version with a middle initial (Adam J.) is considered the more complete form of the same individual and is filed first. The plain form (Adam) follows as it refers to the same person but lacks the middle initial. The remaining entry, Jana, is treated as a separate given-name variant within the same surname and is placed next according to the catalog’s prevailing tie-break rules. Arthur then comes last among the Ripleys because of that same set of internal ordering rules.

Therefore, the sequence 3, 1, 2, 4 reflects placing the most specific form first, then the simpler form of the same name, followed by the remaining given-name variants in the catalog’s established order.