The Apsara National Authority (ANA) on May 31 held a training workshop on archive skills for its officials in collaboration with the French School of the Far East (EFEO). ANA
The Apsara National Authority (ANA) on May 31 held a training workshop on archive skills for its officials in collaboration with the French School of the Far East (EFEO).
According to ANA spokesman Long Kosal, ANA staff learned how to find sources, use old documents, build scientific documents – and save them for future generations – for the purpose of research and preservation.
Speaking at the “Archives of the Angkor Conservation” workshop, held at Angkor Training Centre, Kosal noted that some documents from before 1975 were stored in Cambodia, but later many were taken to France.
“Our purpose is to provide our officials and specialist staff with the knowledge – both theoretical and practical – they need to construct these documents in the future. If we need to find documents related to renovations or excavations in 100 years’ time or later, for example, we will have them, and they will be preserved,” he said.
Kosal added that archived documents can be used globally, as the archiving is available in both paper and digital forms.
He said all of the trainees are successors who will be key staff members in the future. They will have the task of sharing with the next generation what is currently being planned. The Angkor archives are a reflection of the knowledge and skills that the ANA has. They also show the way it conducts its work according to clear research techniques.
He added that the ANA has a long-term vision in terms of training and the level of knowledge of its officials and staff, including specialists at all levels. The ANA set itself the target of making the Angkor Archive Training Centre a resource not just for experts working in Cambodia, but for training throughout the region.
Suom Sophea, one of the participants, said on June 1 that he had learnt a great deal about the preparation of various documents and found out which historical documents are available. At the workshop, the speakers also taught participants how to search for documents through electronic links.
“They had their files for us to access, so we could see information concerning other documents. They have scanned documents and old photographs, screen captured them, and then posted them on their website to make it easier for us to find them,” he said.
