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Cultureware
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The Multimedia Manuscripts Retrieval System (MMRS)
Summary Table
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The Multimedia Manuscripts Retrieval System (MMRS) has not only been successfully implemented in
Egypt but has also served as a model for the cataloguing of manuscripts at libraries throughout the world.
The MMRS project was designed to preserve the full text and images of Arab manuscripts. The system
provides users with various options, including text reproduction, sizing, and printing; search and retrieval;
and browsing through sound, text, and images. MMRS was produced on both CD-ROMs and videodisks
for high quality resolution and enabling exchanges between institutions. Cultureware has developed partnerships
with both regional and international institutions, including Princeton University, the University of Chicago,
UNESCO, Dar el Kutub, the Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi, and others to preserve a worldwide
collection of ancient and rare Arabic manuscripts.
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Princeton University possesses one of the most valuable manuscript collections in the United States. In 1996, RITSEC
launched a joint project with Princeton University and the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development to develop
a database, information system, and CD-ROM for their collection of more than 1200 Islamic manuscripts. Utilizing its
wide-ranging experience in using information technology for preserving manuscripts, RITSEC built a fully integrated
information system for Princeton's manuscript collection. The system has a number of modules for information retrieval,
data updates and maintenance, as report generation as well as highly advanced search
capabilities. The project created a
fully indexed and comprehensive bibliographical database containing all the relevant information the manuscripts as well
as an index of more than 14,000 manuscripts. In addition, the project team developed a multimedia CD-ROM containing
information on 75 of the most important manuscripts in the collection and installed research workstations in the library.
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RITSEC formed a similar partnership with the University of Chicago to preserve the university's
collection of Islamic manuscripts using RITSEC's Multimedia Manuscripts Retrieval System (MMRS).
The project team developed an Islamic Manuscripts Information System, with a fully indexed database
of text and images for a selected collection of the manuscripts.
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The Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi asked RITSEC to develop management information systems to assist the
foundation in achieving its goals of disseminating knowledge of Arab culture and preserving the Arab heritage.
The project team developed systems to automate the administration of the foundation, including an executive
information system, a document handling system, and an attendance control system. In addition, the project team
developed an extensive library information system, a document archival and retrieval system, a visitors' workstation,
and a promotional CD-ROM and website.
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RITSEC was asked to develop systems to emphasize difference aspects of Tunisian culture, with a special focus
on manuscripts, museums, and archaeological sites. The project team selected a collection of manuscripts from the
city of Kairoun in Rakkada and other important Islamic religious and cultural centers. The project sparked a creative
and collaborative effort that
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resulted in a number of products focusing on different aspects of Tunisia's rich cultural heritage.
The primary objective of this collaborative effort was to promote awareness of Arab culture, to develop a detailed database
of manuscripts, and to train manuscript specialists in the use of information technology for cataloguing and archiving museum
collections. An additional objective was to stimulate interest in Tunisia as a travel destination. Designed for a wide audience,
the products were produced in Arabic, English, and French. The project team developed a manuscript storage and retrieval
system and an extensive database of the Kairouan manuscripts. In addition, the team produced several CD-ROMs covering
the manuscript collection; historical, demographic, and archaeological information about Tunisia; and a directory of
Tunisian museum, along with images of the mosaics exhibited in each museum.
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In 1994, RITSEC began work with the library of Alexandria University to develop an MMRS of the library's manuscript
collection and, in 1995, designed an MMRS for Dar el Kutub, which houses one of the largest manuscripts collection in
the region. The project team designed an Islamic Manuscripts Management and Information System, with an indexed
database of text and images of more than 55,000 manuscripts. The team also established an information center, research
workstations, a promotional CD-ROM, and a staff training program.
Within the framework of UNESCO's "Memory of the World" project, RITSEC formed a partnership with UNESCO to
preserve a collection of Koran fragments recently discovered at the Great Mosque in Sana'a, Yemen. RITSEC developed
a multimedia, indexed and searchable CD-ROM with more than 100 images of manuscripts. The CD was produced English,
French and Arabic and contains detailed information about each manuscript, including information on authors and subjects.
RITSEC formed a similar project with the African Bank. The project team developed a CD-ROM containing information
on more than 100 manuscripts from the Mediterranean area.
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As a step toward illustrating how information technology can be used to digitize large literary works in addition to manuscripts, RITSEC
created a CD-ROM, with full text, index, and images, of Dr. Tharwat Okasha's book, "Renaissance." This project can serve as a model
for making Arab literature available in digital format.
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