Living document
A living document or dynamic document is a document which may be continually edited and updated by an authorized person or either a limited or unrestricted group. A simple example of a living document is an article in Wikipedia, in contrast to "dead" or "static" documents, such as an article in a single edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica.
A living document may or may not have a framework for updates, changes, or adjustments. This type of document without proper context can change away from its original purpose through multiple uncontrolled edits.
This is different than an evergreen document that is written in a way that is relevant to a specific audience over a long period of time. This relevance comes from a universal acceptance or application of document contents.
However, a living document may evolve through updates, be expanded as needed, and serve a different purpose over time. Living documents are changed through revisions that may or may not reference previous iterative changes. The rate of document decay depends on the structure of the original document, or original intent of such document, or guidelines for modifying such document.
In law
Today the United States Constitution is followed using a 'living-document' view. The term is used when a constitution or statute is interpreted by its ability to grow and change. The opposing 'bedrock' view suggest that the constitution be followed word for word and that it be a permanent law to be followed for all time. In the 'living-document' view, the goal is to reach a point where the law is perfect, but not without the future ability to be interpreted and expanded on with the changing of the times.
In business
In business a living document may fall under corporate change management or be shared among a team. It may start as a draft work that at some time graduates into general acceptance, or may originate as part of a formal documentation process. Regardless of the degree of formality, a living document needs rules or guidelines for its modification. Such guidelines allow — and should ideally encourage — the document's evolution over time. It is in this sense of growth that the document can be thought of as "living."
In pastoral theology
In pastoral theology the 'living document' refers to an individual person.
References
- Glossary of Strategic Relations Terms, Definition Living Document (n.), Center for Strategic Relations. Accessed on 2009-12-09.
- The Online Slang Dictionary, Definition of living document, Walter Rader. Accessed on 2009-12-09.