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Constraints on manuscripts digitisations in Egypt
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to categorise the types of restrictions that create obstacles for the implementation of digitization projects in the Egyptian manuscripts libraries. The paper will focus on the Central Library of Islamic Manuscripts, known as Awakaf Library as it is obvious example of the restrictions that teamwork encountered at the early stages of this project. This paper is based on an observational method that has been gained from a personal involvement, teamwork approach, and viewpoints in the mentioned project, in addition to being involved in some other projects in Egypt. In order to highlight the types of restrictions, two major cases will be presented. First, the case of manuscripts on magic; and second, the case of digitising the mushaf attributed to Uthman ibn Affan. As a result, three categories of restrictions on the digitization projects were generated. The first category is the restrictions on the digitization in general, it is mainly due to the bureaucracy in the manuscripts institutions itself. The second category is the restrictions on the digitization processes or workflows because of the misperception of the digitization; such as prohibiting some resources from being digitised, or spending significant time to secure the digitised manuscripts; and the final category of restrictions is the decision making for the digitised manuscript accessed. Mentioning some other examples from other manuscripts libraries make it noticeable that all manuscripts libraries in Egypt are having one, or some of these restrictions that have been elaborated in the result section. Consequently, many of manuscript Digitization projects have not been completed, or delivered.
Discipline
Library Science
Geographic Area
Egypt
Sub Area
None