Interfile: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term combines 'inter-' meaning 'between' or 'among' with 'file', which comes from the Latin word 'filare', meaning 'to spin' or 'to string together'.
• It gained use in information management contexts in the late 20th century as databases began to grow.
• The roots suggest a method of organizing information that acts as a web, linking related items.

Technology

• In digital systems, interfiling often refers to how databases sort and merge different sets of data for efficient retrieval.
• File management software uses interfiling techniques to streamline user access to documents by creating connections between related files.
• Interfiling can be seen in cloud storage as well, allowing users to tag and categorize documents across multiple formats.

Library Science

• Interfile can refer to the practice of arranging books and resources based on subjects or themes rather than strict separation.
• This method enhances discoverability in libraries, allowing patrons to find related resources side by side.
• Many modern libraries use interfile systems to integrate digital and physical resources seamlessly.

Psychology

• Cognitive psychologists study interfiling strategies to understand how people group and retrieve information from memory.
• Interfiling can enhance memory retention by creating associations between different pieces of information.
• Research shows that organizing related content can reduce cognitive overload when processing complex information.

Business

• In corporate environments, interfile practices help maintain efficiency by ensuring documents are easily accessible across departments.
• Effective interfiling strategies can lead to improved productivity, as employees spend less time searching for information.
• Companies often adopt technology that allows for interfiling to manage vast amounts of data seamlessly.