Information technology is not always a suitable tool for organising data. Common non-computer tools used for organising include hard copy systems and pen and paper methods.
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Hard copy systems involve organising data on paper. Examples include telephone directories and card catalogues. A telephone directory organises data alphabetically according to a person’s family name. Large amounts of data are organised using catalogue systems. Each item is classified according to a number of categories.
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There are numerous pen and paper methods for organising data. It is common for data to be organised into tables, represented diagrammatically, summarised and put into lists. When designing a publication, people often use pen and paper to outline the basic structure of the document. This is often easier, faster and more flexible than using a computer.