The Processes of Digitalization and Establishment of the Initiative «TOPAZ» Project in the Central State Scientific and Technical Archives of Ukraine

The aim of the work is to highlight the experience of the Central State Scientifi c and Technical Archives of Ukraine (CDNTA of Ukraine) in the realization of the initiative project «TOPAZ» («TOPology of Archival Storage»). The study methodology provides for the use of general scientifi c and specifi c methods of archival science to consideration the problems of description and storage of National Archival Holding of documents. Work with stakeholders was carried out by their identifi cation and organizing an extensive discussion of the main guidelines of the «TOPAZ» project. The developers were guided by the SWOT methodology, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, related to its achievement. The scientifi c novelty is in characterization of the conceptual framework and coverage of the execution of the «TOPAZ» project. The suggested approach is used for the fi rst time in archival practice. The ultimate plan is to create in the archives an integrated search system electronic identifi cation of storage objects, aimed at strengthening control on condition and movement of documents, to accelerate improve their search in storage by using digital technologies for ready access to required information using two-dimensional QR-codes. This project consists of three levels of description. Each of them is consistent with the concept of the archival storage object, which is used by ensuring preservation of documents department workers in the performance of their functional duties: I – the level of the archival box; ІІ – the level of storage unit; III – the level of document. The information is updated by fi lling electronic TOPAZ-cards of the approved form. Conclusions. A detailed description of the «TOPAZ» project is provided; organizational and logistical support of its implementation is conceptualized. The «TOPAZ» project established at the CDNTA of Ukraine is being implemented fairly well. In advance on condition its fi nalization (including the development and adoption of a discrete software product) and continued introduction the system of electronic identifi cation of archival storage may become a part of the modern SMART-archives, the CDNTA of Ukraine is on track to achieve this target.