Assessing ancient manuscript conservation practices: A case study on local content preservation at the North Sumatra State Museum

Ancient manuscripts serve as invaluable cultural artifacts, offering unique insights into the historical, social, and cultural aspects of bygone civilizations. This study employs a qualitative methodology with a descriptive approach to investigate the con ancient manuscripts as a means of preserving the local content collections. The North Sumatra State Museum actively contributes to the provision of data, encompassing research on the conservation, collection, and preservation of ancient manuscripts. Purposive sampling was utilized in the study, specifically targeting two managers/officers from the department responsible for the preservation of ancient scripts in the collection. Methods of data collection included interviews, observations, and documentation analysis. This study aims to offer insights for museums and libraries, highlighting the significance of maintaining collections as a means of safeguarding local content. Findings revealed that conservation efforts involve fumigation to eliminate pests and fungi, as well as the application of lemongrass oil and storage in shaded areas to mitigate damage risks. Additionally, gel-based chemicals and paper napkins are utilized for further protection, with staff receiving training from experts. However, challenges include inadequate tools, equipment, paucity of skilled workers, insufficient funding, lack of a specific preservation schedule, and insufficient space.