Session hosted by Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University entitled "The Journey of the Arabic Manuscript in Libraries: From Shelves to Digitization"

Abstract

The session underscored the profound significance of Arabic manuscripts as repositories of the nation's cultural and intellectual heritage, focusing extensively on the issues of cataloging, digitizing, and making them accessible within modern digital environments. The discussion reviewed the evolution of cataloging methodologies for Arabic manuscripts, highlighting the technical and methodological challenges involved. These challenges include multiple titles, author names, and complexities in identifying subjects. Furthermore, the session examined the role of modern international standards, specifically RDA and BIBFRAME, in advancing manuscript description and integrating them into linked data environments. The models of pioneering Arabic initiatives in manuscript digitization were also presented. It asserts the critical need to establish a unified Arabic cataloging framework that adopts international standards while respecting the unique characteristics of Arabic heritage; the importance of enhancing specialized training and fostering robust institutional cooperation; and the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies to optimize preservation of manuscripts and streamline their accessibility to researchers.