In Macau, there exists a long lasting problem of lacking professionals in the area of Archives. Usually, archivists working in the Macau Historical Archives come mainly from Portugal or sent by the Macau government to have professional training in Portugal before their working in the historical archives. As for in house training, the Cultural Institute of Macau had organized courses in Restoration. As for the other sections, on-job training is a common way to equip them with the necessary knowledge.

This situation was changed when the University of Macau began to organize a bachelor degree course entitled "Portuguese language and culture", since the year of 1990. Included in the curriculum of this degree course are subjects in Library Science and Archival Science, This subject of Archival Science is compulsory and lasts for one year, 4 hours per week. During this year, students are taught with the basic concepts of Archival Science and Restoration (see annex 1).

At the same time, training program was organized systematically by the Macau government. This program was targeted to two groups of trainees. One is especially for the civil servants. Another one is for those who are prepared to be civil servants. The training is aimed at the management of Administrative Archives. The total hours for these short-term courses range from 15 to 24 (see annex 2).

We may notice that these are not enough. In these circumstances, we should try to upgrade "archival science" from a subject to a degree course or at least a diploma course. Besides, the role of Macau government is very important. Though there already exists training program for the Macau government is very important. Though there already exists training program for the administrative personnel of archives, the effect is not evident. It happens that the superior may not agree with what the trainees learn from class and prefer to maintain the old system, i.e., no system. In such case, it is the duty of the government to elaborate guideline or instructions to all of its departments besides organizing the training program. Otherwise, the situation will not be improved.

ANNEX 1

The subject of Archival Science and Restoration included in the undergraduate course of Portuguese Language and Culture organized by the University of Macau.

A. Archival Science

1. General concepts

1.1 - Definition of Archival Science

1.2 - The document of Archives

1.3 - Archives, concepts and its importance

1.3.1 - Types, class and category of Archives

2. Three Archival Systems

2.1 - Administrative Archives

2.1.1 - Functions

2.1.2 - Organization

2.1.3 - Retrieval and control: registration system and classification

2.2 - Intermediate Archives

2.3 - Historical Archives

2.3.1 - Organization/Description/Dissemination

2.4 - Administration of documents and its evaluation

3. The Application of new technologies to the Archives

B. Restoration

1. Preservation and conservation

1.1 General concepts

1.2 Degradation factors

2. Preventive policies for the protection of documents

2.1 Building/Installation/Equipment

2.2 Cleaning, maintenance and conditioning

2.3 Control of environment

3. Restoration

ANNEX 2

"Administrative Archives" organized by the Macau Government

1. General concepts

* document

* document of Archives

* Archives: concepts and its importance

* classification of Archives

2. Archival systems

* planning of Archival systems

* centralized, decentralized and mixed systems

* documental evaluation

3. Administrative Archives

* organic structure of document-producing entity

* attribution, competence, activities

* document organization/administration

* document production

* retrievals and control

* registration system

* classification

4. Application of new technologies to the Archives