[Audit] Documentation Consolidation - Reduce Duplication Across Docs

[ashleyshaw]

Overview

Audit of 40+ documentation files across docs/ to identify duplication, overlap, and opportunities for consolidation.

Current Problems

1. Multiple files document similar topics (e.g., 3-4 files on PR creation)
2. Files reference each other with inconsistent linking patterns
3. Some documentation is in docs/, some in .github/, some in instructions/
4. Duplication makes updates difficult and creates sync/consistency issues
5. Documentation index (docs/index.md) is incomplete or outdated

Areas to Audit

See child issues for detailed audits of:

• Issue creation documentation (4+ files involved)
• PR creation documentation (3+ files involved)
• Labeling documentation (3+ files involved)
• Automation governance documentation (2+ files involved)
• File organization and folder structure alignment
• Documentation index and cross-referencing

Acceptance Criteria

• All docs audited and duplication mapped
• Consolidation strategy created
• Obsolete files identified for archival
• Updated cross-reference links documented

Related Files

• docs/ (all .md files)
• docs/index.md
• .github/README.md
• README.md (root)
• Various .instructions.md files in instructions/
• .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/README.md
• .github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE/README.md

Related Documentation

• Documentation Index
• Issue Creation Guide
• PR Creation Process
• Label Strategy
• Automation Governance
• Root README
• .github README

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Definition of Ready (DoR)

• Audit scope, checklist, and goals defined
• Areas/components listed
• Dependencies and standards mapped

Definition of Done (DoD)

• Audit performed and findings documented
• Remediation actions assigned
• Documentation/changelog updated (if applicable)
• PR uses correct branch prefix (audit/)

[linear-code]

LS-825