ANCIENT MANUSCRIPT PRESERVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION BETWEEN LIBRARIANS AND PHILOLOGISTS AT THE MALANG CITY LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES OFFICE

Abstract

The preservation of ancient manuscripts is necessary to safeguard the information and cultural values they contain. This study examines preservation practices through collaboration between librarians and a philologist at the Malang City Public Library and Regional Archives Office (DISPUSSIPDA), Malang City. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. The informants were two librarians and one philologist, while the objects of study were six manuscripts: Babad Mambangul Ngulum, Usadha Tiwang, Nahwu, Serat Yusuf, Primbon, and Ala Ayuning Tanggal. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis involved reducing and coding the data, presenting the findings, and drawing conclusions using Harvey and Mahard’s (2020) framework of preventive and reactive preservation. The preservation practices comprised collection identification, storage and arrangement, environmental control, disaster response, maintenance, repair, and media conversion. Collaboration between librarians and the philologist contributed to the identification and verification of manuscripts, the selection of preservation measures, and the management of manuscript information. This collaboration supported the continuity of preservation practices despite limitations in librarian training, storage facilities, round-the-clock environmental control, fumigation, and disaster-response procedures. These findings highlight the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in preserving ancient manuscripts amid limited institutional resources.