Established in 2020 under the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Library Department, the University Archive (ArkU) serves as the primary custodian of the institution's collective memory. Since its inception, ArkU has undergone several leadership transitions and strategic rebranding efforts to modernize its role. Currently located on the 1st Floor of the Library Building, ArkU is responsible for the integrated management of archives and institutional memory, including the preservation of historical records, official documents, research materials, and oral histories.

ArkU operates through two specialized sectors:

Archive Management Sector (Sektor Pengurusan Arkib)

Dedicated to the systematic maintenance of records to ensure accessibility, information security, and legal compliance.

Memperkukuh pengurusan dan penyelenggaraan rekod Sejarah, dokumen rasmi serta bahan penyelidikan secara sistematik dan berstandard bagi memastikan kebolehcapaian, keselamatan maklumat, pematuhan keperluan perundangan serta menyokong kecekapan operasi dan akauntability institusi.

Institutional Memory Management Sector (Sektor Pengurusan Memori Institusi)

Focused on oral history and the curation of physical and digital exhibitions that serve as a bridge for knowledge transfer and narrative building.

Memantapkan pengurusan Sejarah lisan serta pembangunan pameran fizikal dan digital sebagai wahana pemindahan ilmu dan pembinaan naratif universiti bagi memupuk jati diri, rasa kebanggaan, dan keterikatan warga kampus serta masyarakat setempat, selari dengan aspirasi kelestarian dan keterlihatan universiti.

1. To manage historical records and research materials systematically and in accordance with the National Archives Act 2003 [Act 629], the UMS Archive Policy, and current legal requirements.
   
   Memastikan pengurusan rekod sejarah, dokumen rasmi dan bahan penyelidikan dijalankan secara sistematik, berstandard dan bersepadu, selaras dengan Akta Arkib Negara 2003 [Akta 629], Dasar Arkib Universiti Malaysia Sabah, dan perundangan lain yang berkuat kuasa.
2. To enhance oral history programs and exhibition development (physical and digital) to support research and the university's institutional narrative.
   
   Memantapkan pengurusan sejarah lisan serta pembangunan pameran fizikal dan digital bagi menyokong pemindahan ilmu, penyelidikan dan pembinaan naratif institusi.
3. Community Engagement: To strengthen the identity, pride, and sense of belonging for both the campus community and the public by providing access to the university’s rich heritage.
   
   Memperkukuh jati diri, identiti, kebanggaan dan keterikatan warga kampus serta masyarakat setempat melalui akses kepada warisan dan naratif institusi.