Information technology is not always a suitable tool for storing and retrieving data. The following are some of the non-computer tools used for storing and retrieving.
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Paper-based storage systems include folders, boxes, bookcases and filing systems. They are often a convenient method of data storage. However, paper storage systems require a large amount of space and specific data is often difficult to retrieve.
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Microfiche are transparent sheets of film about 10 × 15 centimetres that store around 200 pages of print. They were a popular method of storing documents for several decades, particularly in libraries. Back issues of newspapers and magazines were stored and retrieved using microfiche. People could retrieve data directly without having to start at the beginning of the document. Microfiche has largely been replaced by optical disks.
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A library is a storage and retrieval area for information in a variety of forms, such as books, newspapers, magazines and CDs. Many countries have established national libraries to ensure an orderly collection and storage of data. Libraries store data using the Dewey classification system. It classifies books into 10 main subject areas using decimal numbers. Data is retrieved using the attributes of the book, such as the author’s name, title, publisher, subject and date of publication.