Methodological Documents in the Field of Archival Science and Records Management: Features of Development

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical, methodological, organizational, and practical aspects of preparing methodological documents in the field of archival science. Based on an analysis of regulatory legal acts, national and interstate standards, as well as the established practices of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in developing methodological materials, the classification of types of methodological documents is substantiated, an algorithm for their preparation is proposed, and typical errors are identified. It is demonstrated that methodological documents serve as a tool for standardizing archival processes, ensuring the continuity of knowledge, and adapting the industry to new technological conditions. The relevance of the study is driven by the need to bridge the gap between the rapidly changing regulatory framework and the practical methods used by archivists during the systemic transition to a «digital state». The institutional role of the Archive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, acting not only as a state archive but also as a methodological center for the industry, lends particular significance to this research. Developing unified standards for the preparation of methodological materials allows for the systematization of the institution’s internal processes and the translation of best practices across the country’s entire network of state archives, minimizing the risks of methodological distortions when working with documentary heritage.