Administrative Documents: Characteristics, Types and Reference Systems
Summary
This text explains the main characteristics of administrative documents, including media, proof and citizen documents, and the supports used in public administration such as graphics, sound, images and computer-readable formats. It also covers how documents are referenced (numerical, alphabetical and alphanumeric), common greetings and honorifics, citation of official bulletins, and the difference between internal and external documents.
Key points
- Administrative documents are classified as media documents, proof documents and citizen documents.
- Citizen documents are addressed to a specific administration, while constancy documents accredit facts and events.
- Supports for administrative documents include graphics, sonic, in-image and informatics formats.
- References can be numerical (e.g. 7943), alphabetical (e.g. CRS/PCC) or alphanumeric (e.g. APD/CCP-321).
- N/Ref refers to our own reference and V/Ref to the reference of the document being answered.
- Internal documents are exchanged within the same administration; external ones go to other bodies, citizens or private entities.
- Trades are used between bodies and individuals, while internal notes circulate within the same upper body.
Characteristics of Administrative Documents
Administrative documents have special characteristics that differentiate them from other public documents:
- Media documents
- Proof documents
- Citizen documents
Distinguishing Citizen Documents
Citizen documents are addressed to a particular administration, while administrative constancy documents serve to accredit determined facts and events.
New Documentary Requirements and Supports
New documentary requirements must be met. The following can be considered as supports of public administrative documents:
- Graphics: Content is represented by shapes or colors, such as plans, maps, drawings, and graphs.
- Sonic: Sound is used, such as magnetic tapes and discs.
- In-image: Photographs, videos, movies, etc., are used as support.
- Informatics: Readable by a computer (perforated cards, etc.).
Methods of Referral
- N/Ref: Our reference (here, it refers to the document itself).
- V/Ref: Your reference (the document being responded to).
Numerical References
The document consists of an identification number.
Alphabetical References
The name and surname initials of the person who drafted the document are written.
Alphanumeric References
A combination of numeric and alphanumeric references is used.
Meaning of References
Examples of references in administrative documents:
- a) N/Ref: 7943 (Numerical)
- b) N/Ref: CRS/PCC (Alphabetical)
- c) N/Ref: APD/CCP-321 (Alphanumeric)
Referencing Documents: Examples
Here are examples of how to reference different types of documents:
a) Office written by Jesus Perez and Benitez Santallana, typed by Carmen Gutierrez. (Alphabetical)
b) Response to the previous paper registered with the number 8254. (Numerical)
c) Responding to the Documents section 'b'. (Alphabetical)
d) Registered office QMB number 843, sent to Asuncion and Villa Zubieta, typed by Cabrero Matias del Monte, answering office 731 - PQM/TAC. (Alphanumeric)
Starting a Professional Document
(This section requires specific examples of sentences to be provided. Please provide the sentences you would like to include.)
Greetings and Honorifics in Public Documents
Common greetings in administrative documents include:
- Dear Sir/Madam
- Sir/Madam
Honorific treatment can be used with the person's title and name. For example: Honourable Francis Moms, Minister of Economy.
Abbreviations and References to Administrative Rules
- Boletin Oficial del Estado (BOE)
- Diari Oficial de la Generalitat de Catalunya (DOGC)
- Parc Mòbil Ministerial (PMM)
Location and Date in Administrative Documents
Administrative documents can be:
- Internal: When the sender and recipient belong to the same public administration.
- External: When the addressee is a body or a public administration unit different from the sender, a citizen, or a private entity.
Identifying Sender and Recipient
The sender is identified at the top, and the recipient is identified at the bottom of the document.
Purpose of Trades and Internal Notes
Trades are documents used by bodies and administration units to communicate among themselves and with individuals. Internal notes are used by bodies or units of the same upper body to communicate with each other.
Download
PDF Word HTMLFAQ
What is the difference between N/Ref and V/Ref?
N/Ref is our own reference, identifying the document itself. V/Ref is your reference, identifying the document to which the current one responds.
What is the difference between internal and external administrative documents?
Internal documents are used when sender and recipient belong to the same public administration. External documents are sent to a different body, a citizen or a private entity.
Where is the sender and recipient identified in an administrative document?
The sender is identified at the top of the document and the recipient at the bottom.
Test yourself
Flashcards
Click a card to see the answer.
Quiz
Questions generated by AI from the document: check the answers against the text.