Theoretical foundations to design classification tables as support for archival legislation in Mexico

Since the approval of important provisions on archival matters, public institutions in Mexico have the obligation to design their own documentary tools. When reviewing the archival theory, it is verified that this science has a methodology that contributes to the correct organization of archives. However, in practice, the methodological criteria that have been implemented are diverse due to lack of homogenization as established by law. This, despite the fact that the General Archive of the Nation formulated an Instruction to build classification tables. Derived from the above, this research establishes three methodological criteria to design classification tables. The aspects proposed have a theoretical basis in archiving. The first criterion, the study of the institution and its functions through the identification of the administrative procedures it executes, based on the regulations that give it legal support as an organism. The second criterion, the principle of provenance, the archival scientific element on which the classification process is based. And, the third, the study of the background of the producing institution, to know the administrative context in which the documents that make up the archive have been generated.