Document management plan applied to manga by independent authors: an archival approach

Abstract

This article proposes guidelines for implementing a records management plan specifically tailored to the independent production of manga, understood as informational, cultural, and patrimonial artifacts. The main objective is to develop archival instruments that support the organization, preservation, and valorization of documents generated throughout the creative, editorial, and commercial processes undertaken by independent manga artists. This is a theoretical study with a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach. The methodology is based on a literature review in the fields of Archival Science, Information Science, and manga studies, integrating archival functions into the different stages of the document life cycle. As a result, a comprehensive records management model is presented, including classification criteria, documentary typologies, a retention schedule, preservation strategies, access guidelines, and procedures for the secure disposal of records. The proposal addresses the multiple formats and informational flows involved in manga production, particularly in digital environments, and highlights the artist’s responsibility in maintaining their own archives. It is concluded that the adoption of archival practices in the context of independent authorship contributes to preserving graphic memory, strengthening creative identity, and expanding access to culturally and informationally significant content. The proposed documentation system thus serves both the daily management of authorial archives and their potential integration into institutional collections and memory initiatives.