Middle Eastern University Archives: Building Digital Preservation Capacity Through Networking, Advocacy, and Mentorship : Short Paper - iPRES 2025 - Wellington, New Zealand / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa
Abstract
The fast-paced digital transformation of academic and cultural materials found in Middle Eastern universities requires robust digital preservation approaches. The region deals with major challenges because it faces structural differences between institutions alongside language complexities and political instability and non-existent standardized policies. A three-pronged strategy that combines networking with advocacy and mentorship can resolve these obstacles to improve digital preservation initiatives. Universities that build international and regional partnerships can unite their resources with shared tools and obtain global expertise. Universities must advocate through institutional and governmental channels to obtain funding while developing preservation policies and to raise awareness about digital heritage value. The development of skilled professionals who handle new technologies and preservation standards requires both mentorship programs and training initiatives. The American University in Cairo serves as a case study to demonstrate how these strategies converge to build sustainable scalable models for success. A complete framework helps Middle Eastern universities defend their digital collections while strengthening their position in international knowledge networks. Digital preservation exceeds technical functions because it serves as a collective responsibility to maintain the rich academic and cultural heritage of the region for upcoming generations.Details
- Creators
- Irina Schmid
- Institutions
- Date
- 2025-09-01 00:00:00 +0000
- Keywords
- digital humanities
- Publication Type
- paper
- License
- http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
- Download
- 449089 bytes