Osastipuuline

Osastipuuline is a term used in Estonian information management and archival practice to describe a hierarchical classification principle whereby documents, records, or data are primarily organized by department. Within each department, items are further subdivided into subcategories according to type, function, or process, creating a department-first taxonomy. The concept emphasizes organizational boundaries as the main axis of grouping, with cross-department materials linked or cross-referenced as needed. The term is most common in Estonian-language guidelines for public administration, libraries, and corporate recordkeeping, where it reflects the way organizations are structured.

In practice, osastipuuline classification arranges collections so that all materials belonging to a given department appear together, followed by subgroups such as units, projects, or document types. For example, a university archive might place all records from the Faculty of Engineering under that department, with subdivisions for student records, budgets, and research contracts. A government ministry might group correspondence, policy documents, and reports under the relevant department.

Advantages of such a scheme include intuitive navigation for staff familiar with the organizational chart, straightforward access control by department, and alignment with internal workflows. Disadvantages include difficulties handling cross-department materials, potential duplication of records, and the need for ongoing maintenance when departments are reorganized.

See also: taxonomy, archival classification, records management, organizational structure.