1. Understanding Compound Surnames
Compound surnames can pose challenges in alphabetical filing. Names like "Dela Cruz" and "De la Cruz" are indexed differently. According to ALA rules, "Dela Cruz" is filed under "D" but "De la Cruz" is filed under "D" as well, focusing on the significant part of the surname.
Hyphenated Surnames
For hyphenated surnames such as "Santos-Cruz", the name is indexed as it appears, maintaining the hyphen. Always ensure to keep the hyphen in the filename to maintain proper order.
2. Indexing Rules for Prefixes and Titles
Prefixes such as "Mac", "Mc", "O'" should be filed alphabetically by the first letter after the prefix. For example, "Macapagal" is filed under "M" rather than "A". Titles like "Dr.", "Engr.", "Jr.", and "III" are ignored in indexing; focus on the surname instead.
3. Sample Practice Questions & Rationalizations
A) Dela Cruz, Maria
B) De la Cruz, Maria
C) Cruz, Maria De la
D) Maria De la Cruz
Answer: B - The correct filing places the name under "D" as it includes the significant part of the surname.
A) Santos Cruz, Juan
B) Santos-Cruz, Juan
C) Cruz, Juan Santos
D) Juan Santos-Cruz
Answer: B - The hyphen is preserved, and the name is filed under "S".
4. Key Traps to Avoid & Test Day Tips
Common pitfalls include misfiling due to ignoring prefixes or misinterpreting hyphenation rules. Always double-check your indexing against the ALA guidelines to avoid errors. On test day, practice mindfulness and manage your time efficiently to maximize performance.
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