Guardians of Memory in the Digital Age

Archives in the modern world Total digitalization and the introduction of artificial intelligence have led to a radical rethinking of approaches to information management. For the archival industry, this is a qualitative leap, signifying a transition from simple storage of elements

, and Administrator

2025 December 21 . 5:03 AM

2 min read

on the desk the papers and the files are kept. on the right side people are sitting in a uniform... — on the desk the papers and the files are kept. on the right side people are sitting in a uniform and on the left a person is standing. behind him there is a chair. at the back of the room us army rdecom is written on the wall.

Guardians of Memory in the Digital Age

Kazakhstan’s archival sector is undergoing a sweeping digital transformation. Under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership, the country is building a National Digital Archive and embracing AI-driven systems. These changes mark a shift from basic electronic storage to a fully integrated, tech-powered approach to managing historical records.

The push for modernisation aligns with Tokayev’s strategic priorities. New laws, including the Artificial Intelligence Act and the Digital Code, now provide the legal groundwork for electronic document handling and AI use in archives. These reforms aim to turn archives into dynamic tools for governance, offering structured, verified data for decision-making and AI applications.

Digitisation has already reshaped how archives function. Instead of just storing files electronically, institutions now use AI and big data to analyse vast datasets, uncover hidden patterns, and automate routine tasks. This shift demands new skills from archivists, who must now master digital literacy, data authentication, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics. The Presidential Archive is leading the charge in these changes. It has launched initiatives like ArchiveSPACE to engage young people with historical sources and boost 'archival awareness'. The institution also acts as a research and training centre, hosting seminars and developing best-practice guidelines for archivists nationwide. Internationally, the Presidential Archive collaborates with institutions in Russia and Kazakhstan. Since 2017, it has partnered with the Russian State University for the Humanities and al-Farabi Kazakh National University on joint projects. These include the Summer School for Young Archivists and the Archivists’ Congress, which bring together professionals from both countries. Yet, the next phase of transformation brings challenges. Officials stress the need for a balanced approach to manage risks and ensure reforms remain sustainable over time.

The overhaul of Kazakhstan’s archives ties digital infrastructure to modern governance. With AI, big data, and cross-border partnerships, the sector is evolving into an active part of the state’s digital framework. The success of these reforms will depend on training a new generation of archivists and maintaining robust legal and technical safeguards.