The University Archive was founded in October 1989 and was initially headed by Professor Dr Wolfgang Keim (Education Studies) and Professor Dr Dieter Riesenberger (History), then until 2008 by Professor Dr Jörg Jarnut (History) and Professor Dr Wolfgang Keim (Education Studies).

Since 2009, the archive has been organisationally integrated into the Paderborn University Library. The functions and tasks of the University Archive are described in detail in the 'Paderborn University Archive Regulations of 12 October 2009'.