General Archives
The General Archives Unit of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is responsible for the management, custody, and dissemination of the University's documentary heritage. Established in 1990 in compliance with national and regional legislation on archives and records management, its purpose is to define the criteria and mechanisms that guarantee the right of access to administrative and historical archives.
The General Archives ensures the preservation of records and documents that form part of the UAB’s institutional and historical heritage and provides support to administrative services in records management. It also plays a central role in the design and implementation of the University’s corporate records management system, establishing the technical, regulatory, and organizational standards required to ensure the integrity, authenticity, and long-term preservation of all records produced or received by the University. In addition, it actively contributes to the implementation of electronic administration, compliance with current regulations, and staff training in records management best practices.
Its main functions include the organization, description, appraisal, preservation, and dissemination of the records under its custody, with the aim of ensuring their long-term preservation and facilitating access to them. These records constitute an essential primary source for research and for preserving the institution’s collective memory.
Mission:To ensure the management, custody, and secure and transparent access to the records and documents generated or received by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, guaranteeing their long-term preservation and supporting the University's administrative, academic, and research activities. This includes defining policies and procedures for electronic records management.
Vision:To establish itself as a benchmark in records and archives management within the higher education sector, integrating tradition and innovation while promoting digital transformation, administrative transparency, and the preservation of institutional memory for future generations. To play a key role in the implementation of e-administration and in the development of a secure, efficient, and accessible documentary ecosystem.
Values:
- Transparency: Acting with clarity and rigor in records and administrative management.
- Accessibility: Facilitating access to services and information for the university community and the public.
- Reliability: Ensuring the security, validity, and traceability of documents and procedures.
- Innovation: Promoting digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies to improve services.
- Preservation: Protecting the documentary heritage and institutional memory of the UAB.
- Service to the Community: Delivering a public service focused on meeting people's needs.
- Collaboration: Encouraging cooperation and networking with other institutions and services.
- Responsibility: Acting with ethical commitment and in compliance with current regulations.
The General Archives Unit provides services aimed at ensuring proper records management and access to information:
- Consultation Services: Access, both on-site and online, to preserved records and documents, including administrative and heritage collections, institutional archives, and the fonds of organizations and individuals associated with the UAB. Access is provided in accordance with Law 19/2014 on transparency, access to public information, and good governance.Procedure link: (currently SAIP).
- Receipt, Custody, and Processing of Private Donations: Acquisition and management of records and documents donated by individuals or organizations connected to the University, ensuring their preservation and accessibility.Application process: General application form (a specific donation application procedure is planned for the future).
- Records Management Advice and Support: Technical assistance to UAB services and units on the organization, classification, and preservation of records. This includes the development of retention schedules, metadata schemes, and digital preservation policies.
- Promotion of Documentary Heritage: Development of activities, publications, and resources designed to promote awareness and appreciation of the University's institutional memory and documentary heritage.
- Conservation and Preservation: Implementation of measures to ensure the long-term protection of records and documents, safeguarding their integrity and authenticity. In the digital environment, this includes migration strategies, backups, and secure storage systems.
- Linear metres of records: 4,928.00
- Archive boxes: 41,331
- Books: 7,811
- Images: 15,671
- Photographic collections: 390
In addition to the University’s institutional records, the Archives also preserves the fonds of organizations and individuals associated with the UAB. These collections can be consulted through the records holdings guide.