The authors analyze the features of documents appraisal and establishment of retention periods for documents and information databases of information systems at the present stage. Attention is drawn to the problems of regulatory framework for documents appraisal and possible ways to solve them, including through the creation of the Federal State Information System (FGIS) on document retention periods.

The requirements of the draft of the new Rules to the system of finding aids are characterized; the main achievements and prospects for the formation of the common information space of Russian archives on the basis of integrated information retrieval systems, diversification of forms of interaction with users, including development of services in the field of use of archival documents are presented.

The author studies the need for state registration of documents types. An analysis of available state registered information resources is presented, and in this regard, the possible problems in development of Register of documents types are identified. The need for such a register and state registration of documents types is assessed.

A brief scientific biography of A.N. Sokova, who became the first doctor of science in records management and laid the foundations for this scientific discipline in the USSR, which created VNIIDAD scientific school of records keeping and produced a lot of students. A review of her main scientific works, which have not lost their relevance so far, is given, including the Unified State Records Management System, basic provisions of which, developed by her in GSDOU, are still used as the main ones in records keeping, both in state and commercial sector.

The author has pointed out the rapid development of informatization, which is accompanied by high level of investments in IT industry. There are examples of design, construction and operation of “data processing centers”, including within the framework of the Federal Archival Agency, in the article. The author thinks, that it is necessary and feasible, while designing a data processing center, to take measures to reducing the energy consumption of “non-computing” part of the total energy consumption, i.e. to reducing the energy intensity of engineering systems, in particular, energy supply and cooling systems. Attention is drawn to existing domestic standards and other documents, aimed at rationing various parameters of data centers. The important role of telecommunications infrastructure standard for TIA 942 data processing centers is indicated. Methods for assessing energy efficiency of data centers engineering infrastructure and methods for classifying them, used by IT community, are considered. The author gives the information on certification capabilities of data processing centers equipment and infrastructure at all stages of its life cycle.

The article opens a series of author’s researches on evolution of sourceometry theory, justified at VNIIDAD in the late 1970s, in integration interaction with global trends of “digital skills”. An attempt was made to integrate records management problems into the paradigm of large-scale public administration reform in Russia in the first quarter of XXI century, based on official statistics about the number of people, involved in preparation and formation of documentation, the indicator of GDP production and use, including administrative activities, percentage of professional knowledge and skills’ lack to identify digital assets. The author described the result of a selective analysis of legislative and regulatory acts on location of issues, contributing to registration, collection and reliable storage of data from documented areas of activity. The purpose of professional standard “Specialist in digital transformation of documented areas of the organization’s activities” is presented.

The authors analyze fundamental changes in the structure of public administration, happened at the background of serious social, political and economic reforms, that led to the emergence of new types and varieties of records. For supplementing records to the Russian Federation Archival Fund it is necessary to create a concept for records appraisal in light of changes in methods of study and approaches to selection of records, produced since the 1990th to the present.

A review on the article by Chinese archivist Zhu Tiemiao, “A study of opportunities for providing state archival services in the context of a structural reform of incentive proposals”, discusses his concept of development the possibilities of providing state archival services in the context of a reform of incentive proposals The reviewer notes, that the author of this article analyzes the main problems in archival sphere and considers possible directions for development and improvement of public services in archival activity. The review indicates that, in the opinion of the author of given article, the possibilities of archives for public services provision are still not enough; they are limited and do not meet the needs of society. So, it is necessary to realize the reform of the proposed archival services in current situation.

An overview of the Czech Republic National Standard for Electronic Records Management System is presented. The most interesting problems, solved by the creators of this standard, are considered. The review was prepared using the abstract on this document, published in the newsletter «Records and archives management abroad». The author hopes for further development in the exchange of experience between Czech and Russian specialists.