Study Notes on Preservation of Books and Manuscripts in Cambodia

In April of 1989, Cornell University initiated a preservation program aimed at safeguarding scarce and unique library and archival materials in Cambodia.
This initiative was supported by the Christopher Reynolds Foundation and represents an extension of Cornell’s ongoing research and educational activities in Southeast Asia, specifically Cambodia.
The urgent need for these preservation efforts arose from the devastation of collections due to decades of war, destruction, and neglect.
The author, John F. Dean, undertook a three-week project that included:
- Surveying local collections.
- Training local staff in basic preservation techniques.
- Identifying preservation priorities.
- Arranging shipment of conservation supplies.
- Developing plans for a microfilm operation.
Continued collaborative efforts from the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, Luce Foundation, and Cornell University to sustain these preservation and conservation initiatives.

John F. Dean: Conservation librarian at Cornell University with 39 years of experience in preservation and conservation as conservator, teacher, and administrator.
Holds previous leadership roles at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Newberry Library, and Manchester Public Libraries in England.
Extensive authoring on preservation techniques and methodologies.

Cambodia is a small nation (less than 70,000 square miles) surrounded by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, leading to a longstanding history of conflict.
Khmer civilization dates back to rich and diverse cultures influenced by Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms such as Funan and Chenla (early Christian era to 8th century A.D.).
Key Historical Periods:
- Angkorean Period (802 - 1432): Established under King Jayavarman II after the sovereignty of Chenla.
- Successive centuries saw Khmer rulers entangled in wars with Vietnam and Siam until French colonization in 1864.
- Post World War II led to Cambodian independence in 1953 after years of French protectorate and Japanese occupation during the war.
The rule of Prince Norodom Sihanouk ended in 1970 due to General Lon Nol's coup.
After U.S. bombing and political instability, the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, took control in 1975, inflicting catastrophic human rights abuses.
Approximately 3 million deaths occurred due to starvation and oppression, targeting educated individuals.
Vietnamese invasion in 1979 ended Khmer Rouge rule, leading to the establishment of the Hun Sen government.

September 1989 saw withdrawal of the last Vietnamese forces; however, Cambodia's recognition remained elusive due to political nuances, with ongoing conflict against Khmer Rouge remnants.
The country continues to face survival challenges amidst this backdrop.

Cornell University has a longstanding commitment to Southeast Asian studies, with numerous interdisciplinary programs and courses focused on the region.
The John M. Echols Collection at Cornell is recognized as one of the most significant resources for Southeast Asian materials, especially Cambodian literature and historical texts.
Strong networks with Cambodian graduates and NGOs facilitated Cornell’s involvement in preservation.
Acknowledgement of dire conditions in Cambodia’s libraries and archives prompted official visits and assessments.
- Visits by Cornell staff to evaluate needs and provide microfilm equipment and supplies.

The National Library, constructed in 1913, suffered devastating loss under Khmer Rouge rule, with much of its collection decimated.
Remaining staff severely under-resourced and compensated poorly, struggles to catalog and promote collections.
Piles of books languished in storage, some salvaged from civilian rescues during unrest.
The National Archives showed better support than the library but still faced preservation issues from insect damage and poor environmental conditions.

Training Objectives:
- Training local staff in basic preservation practices, focusing on physical preservation techniques, cleaning, and proper enclosure of materials.
- Proposed training included:
- Fumigation
- Cleaning
- Repair processes
- Enclosure design for manuscripts.
Hands-on workshops were held to demonstrate and practice preservation techniques over five-day sessions, culminating in improved manuscript storage solutions.

Fruitful procedures employed for palm leaf manuscript stabilization, which were outlined as follows:
1. Securing the Leaves: After fumigation, dust and insect parts were removed; original ties were carefully preserved or replaced.
2. Making the Manuscript Case: A protective case was crafted using stable board dimensions adapted for safety.
3. Constructing a Storage Box: A box was designed to accommodate insect repellents and protect manuscripts during storage.

Development of a microfilming operation enhances access to endangered texts, with initial projects underway to document palm leaf manuscripts and archival materials from notable sites, including Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide.
Despite improvements, much work remains to establish adequate conservation facilities and comprehensive preservation strategies in Cambodia:
- Advocacy for diplomatic relations and international support is crucial for sustainable progress.
- The preservation community emphasizes safe treatment methods over hazardous chemical use.
- Development of low-temperature freeze facilities for comprehensive pest management.
The commitment to preserving Cambodia's cultural artifacts must reflect the dire historical and contemporary realities faced by its citizenry, emphasizing the need for education, resources, and political support to uphold the preservation of a nation's memory.