Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced face-to-face learning activities to change into distance learning. This paper discusses the impact of the pandemic on the learning process in the hands-on archives conservation practicum at the Archives Preservation Laboratory, Vocational School, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This paper also analyzes several perspectives across memory institutions as well as the potential and challenges through the choice of methods used to deliver the practical skills in distance learning. Data Collection Method. Field observations and interviews’ data were analysed using descriptive analytics approach and contrasted with findings in the literature reviews to draw conclusions. Results and Discussion. The dimensions of experience and tactile skills from hands-on conservation practice require specific equipments and laboratory which cannot be fully replaced in online classes. However, the pandemic has urged the university to arrange new learning methods for laboratory-based practicum. Conclusion. Although distance learning prompts plenty opportunities, it remains a challenge to replace the face-to-face model of conservation practicum. There is a great urgency for the best model and media to ensure effective learning which addresses the limitations during a pandemic. It is recommended that universities collaborate with stakeholders and Libraries, Archives and Museums (LAM) institutions to improve the current online practicum scheme.

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Kawedanan Hageng Punakawan (KHP) Widyabudaya sebagai salah satu unit yang bertugas untuk mengelola arsip statis di wilayah Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, menyimpan setidaknya 1,8 juta manuskrip kertas. Unit tersebut mengelola manuskrip dari era Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana VII hingga IX. Sebagian besar manuskrip tersebut telah mengalami sejumlah deteriorasi berat dan memiliki kerusakan baik secara fisik maupun kimiawi. Akan tetapi, unit tersebut tidak memiliki arsiparis ataupun konservator tetap untuk secara rutin mengelola manuskrip-manuskrip tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan melakukan pengambilan data via observasi partisipatif, wawancara, dan kajian pustaka. Data yang terkumpul dari observasi lapangan dan wawancara diseleksi, dianalisis, dan selanjutnya dikategorikan dalam sejumlah pola tertentu dengan pendekatan deskriptif analitis. Identifikasi selama proses restorasi menunjukkan setidaknya terdapat 5 jenis kertas yang mengalami kerusakan. Teknik restorasi yang digunakan seperti aplikasi tisu Jepang pada pemberian tindakan laminasi disesuaikan dengan variasi karakter kertas. Tantangan klasik ada dalam bentuk keterbatasan jumlah konservator sekaligus infrastruktur. Sebagai akibatnya, modifikasi SOP nasional dilakukan untuk menyesuaikan dinamika organisasi meskipun belum tertulis secara formal. Selain itu, target restorasi pertahun jarang tercapai. Membuat prosedur tertulis di tingkat institusi, merekrut sukarelawan, dan memberikan pelatihan pada Abdi Dalem dapat menjadi alternatif dukungan untuk mengatasi tantangan. Dukungan tersebut penting untuk segera diberikan mengingat KHP Widyabudaya menyimpan juataan arsip bersejarah dari Keraton Ngayogyakarta.

Conservation is a type of work which requires specific skills, a lengthy experience, particular infrastructures, and arguably extensive time and money. In fact, preserving collections by managing all the aspects required is an important and mandatory task. However, as a developing country in tropical climate, Indonesia is still in a phase where financial aid, skillful experts, and moral support for preserving the cultural heritage are much less than needed. As a result of complex organizational dynamics, building a formal partnership for frequent collaborative conservation work between archives, libraries, and museums nevertheless is far from simple. On the other hand, engaging the community to participate in the practice is particularly challenging due to the nature of conservation work as an isolated activity within an exclusive ecosystem. This chapter aims to discuss whether developing community engagement and collaboration between LAM can serve as an alternative support to constructively improve current conditions and cope with the aforementioned issues.