2018年4月30日 星期一

大學檔案庫 University Archives Repository

為妥善保存香港中文大學之歷史文獻,大學檔案於2015年12月成立,它的使命是有系統地蒐集、整理、維護具永久保留價值的中大檔案。歷史檔案的整理是一項繁複的工作——從鑒定˴入藏˴分類˴編目˴描述˴修復˴儲存到使用,除了檔案人員的專業知識外,一個設備完善的檔案庫房是不可或缺的。檔案庫不同於一般的儲物倉庫,由於歷史檔案須永久保存,必須為之提供理想的環境,因此在選址˴設施規劃˴物料使用等都需要周詳的考慮。

大學檔案職員於走訪多個校内單位,知悉各中央部門的檔案儲存情況後,隨即向大學爭取一個足以應付大學檔案初創階段的檔案儲存空間需要。中大雖然擁有全港面積最大的大學校園,然而校務與日俱增,空間需求殷切,要為檔案覓得安身之所實在不易。經過數個月的考察及商議,大學領導層於2017年中批出一個約八十二平方米的房間,供檔案整理及儲存之用。檔案庫選址甚佳:位處大學本部的田家炳樓,既爲大學圖書館所在,亦毗鄰各重要的行政單位,有助緊密交流,為檔案工作帶來便利。

儘管如此,由於檔案庫所在地前身為辦公室,原間隔及許多設施並不符合檔案庫的要求,因此需要大幅改動。中大的校園發展處在此事上提供了極大的支援,例如與大學檔案商討規劃及物料,以充分利用空間;物色及督導裝修承辦商,以符合檔案庫的要求等。2017年12月檔案庫的裝修工程開始,歷時四個多月至2018年4月完工。工程耗資逾百萬港元,設施均達到專業標準:檔案庫設有嚴格溫度及濕度的控制,維持穩定的儲存環境;使用非灑水式的FM200氣體滅火系統;窗戶貼有防曬隔熱膜,再加上窗簾,有效阻隔紫外綫和降低室内溫度;另裝有閉路電視和電子保安系統。檔案庫選用優質的密集檔案架,足以儲存逾600公尺的檔案。

興建檔案庫最困難的部分為安裝空調機組。檔案庫儲存區位置的天花原本藏有空調及水管。可想而知,一旦發生水管滲漏或爆裂,會對檔案造成嚴重的破壞,因此我們將整個空調機組安裝到檔案庫的工作區的天花。然而由於工作區天花空間有限,部分組件需利用到檔案庫旁的兩個單位的天花部分。幸得兩個單位的負責人支持,工程才能夠順利完成,使儲存區得以完全免於水患。

檔案庫將於不久將來啓用,為研究人員、大學管理層、校友和同學提供研究和了解中大歷史和發展的各種資源。請定期瀏覽我們的網頁,緊貼我們的最新動向。

In order to preserve the historical records of the University, CUHK established its University Archives in December 2015. Its mission is to systematically collect, organize and preserve university documents that have enduring value. The processing of archives is a complicated task: from appraisal, accession, arrangement, description, conservation, storage, to providing access, each step of the process requires professional archives management knowledge, and in addition, a well-equipped archival repository is essential. Archival records ought to be preserved permanently. Unlike general warehouses, a desirable archival storage environment should attain stable temperature and relative humidity conditions. Hence, where we planned for the university archival repository, careful considerations to site selection, facility planning, and material used were given.

After conducting dozens of records surveys with administrative offices to identify historical records, the University Archives immediately requested a storage space from the University that was sufficient for the need of initial establishment. Although CUHK has the largest university campus in Hong Kong, the academic affairs and research activities are increasing day by day and the needs of space are keen, thus it is not easy to secure a place for the Archives. In 2017, after several months of investigation and discussion, the senior management of the University approved a room of about 82 m² in Tin Ka Ping Building as the archives repository. The room is located near the University Library and central administrative units of the University, which facilitates close communication with offices.

In spite of this, since the location of the repository was used as an office before, the original partition and facilities did not meet the requirements of archives, so a significant modification was necessary. CUHK's Campus Development Office had provided tremendous support in this matter. Colleagues of this office advised on space planning and material used in order to optimize the use of space. They also identified and supervised contractors to ensure all installations could fulfill the requirements. The renovation project began in December 2017 and lasted for about four months until April 2018. The project costs over HK$1 million and the facilities are up to professional standards:  an air handling unit (AHU) which could achieve strict temperature and relative humidity controls and maintain a stable storage environment; a non-sprinkler-type FM200 gas fire extinguishing system; window films plus curtains which can effectively block UV light and lower the room temperature; CCTV monitoring station and electronic security systems. The repository is equipped with high-quality compact shelving, which could accommodate more than 600 linear meters of records.

The most difficult part of the renovation work was the installation of AHU. The ceiling of the storage area of the repository originally contained fan coils and water pipes. It can be imagined that once the water pipes leak or burst, it would cause serious damage to the archives. Therefore, the pipes had to be removed. In order to maximize the space and avoid water damage, the new AHU was installed in the ceiling of the working area of the repository. However, due to the limited ceiling space in the working area, workers have to utilize the ceiling space of the two other units next to the repository in order to carrying out the installation work. Thanks to the support of the heads of the two units, the installation was successfully completed and the storage area is now free from water leakage risk.

The repository will be available for use soon. It will be a resource pool for researchers, administrators, alumni and our students to learn about the establishment, development and achievements of the University. Please visit our website to keep abreast of our latest development.

大學檔案庫——裝修前爲一辦公室 (1)
University Archives Repository – the room used to be an office (1)

大學檔案庫——裝修前爲一辦公室 (2)
University Archives Repository – the room used to be an office (2)

大學檔案庫——空調機組
University Archives Repository – air handling unit (AHU)

大學檔案庫——檔案架路軌
University Archives Repository –rails of compact shelving

大學檔案庫——安裝密集檔案架
University Archives Repository – installing compact shelving

大學檔案庫——FM200氣體滅火系統
University Archives Repository – FM200 gas fire extinguishing system


大學檔案庫——裝修完成
University Archives Repository – renovation works completed