ISAD(G)

The ISAD(G) (General International Standard Archival Description) organizes archival materials in the following hierarchy:

• Fonds – The highest level; includes all records from a single source (e.g., an institution or individual).
• Subfonds – A subdivision of a fonds, often used for complex organizational structures.
• Series – A group of records sharing a function, format, or context.
• Sub-series – An optional division within a series, based on departments, record types, or periods.
• File – A collection of documents grouped by a specific subject or transaction.
• Sub-file – An optional smaller grouping within a file, used when content is extensive or segmented.
• Item – The smallest unit of description, such as an individual document or photograph.