On April 23, 2024, Associate Professor Yuan Cheng, Deputy Head of the Department of Archives and E-Government Information at Wuhan University and researcher at the Key Laboratory of Intelligent Development and Service of Archives, led undergraduate students of the Class of 2022 on a study visit to the Hubei Provincial Archives (New Building), giving them an in-depth understanding of the frontiers of archival practice and a profound appreciation of the cultural value and appeal of archives.

As a national model digital archive, the Hubei Provincial Archives has established a relatively complete management system. Staff members introduced the electronic records transfer and receipt system, the visualization platform of the smart repository, and the management platform for ten major thematic archival databases. In the electronic records repository and the smart repository, they explained to the students the storage requirements for classified archives, and introduced how the intelligent robot "Xiaoyu" carries out the daily management of the smart repository, as well as the smart management system for the shelving.

While learning about the frontiers of archival practice, the students further studied the process planning and functional design of archival information systems, and gained a deep appreciation of the trend toward digital intelligence in the collection, management, preservation and use of archives.

The students then entered the pandemic response exhibition hall for an immersive tour of the "Wuhan Miracle" during the COVID-19 pandemic. A large display screen presenting the archives of outstanding figures showcased the life stories of exemplary medical workers through digital archiving, and enabled "visitor-exhibit" interaction through touch, enhancing the viewing experience and leaving a deep impression on the students. From the nation's pledge to unite as one and resolutely win the battle against the epidemic, to the most admirable "heroes in harm's way" who unhesitatingly stood with Wuhan against the raging virus, to residents singing aloud to encourage one another during home quarantine, these precious archival memories deeply moved the students. Finally, the students took a group photo at the cherry blossom display in the exhibition hall, extending their best wishes for a new life after the pandemic.

Text | Kexin Ai, Lanxi Dong

Photography | Xinxin Li, Lanxi Dong

Layout | Pengxin Xie

Review | Muyan Li