Eman Shahin, our Amman Library and Archives Officer, recently attended the 43rd MELCom International Conference, held at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris. MELCom International (Middle East Libraries Committee) is a key forum that brings together librarians, archivists, and researchers working with Middle Eastern collections from around the world.
At the conference, Eman had the opportunity to present her work “Digitizing Middle Eastern Collections and Enhancing Access Through Linked Open Data.” Her presentation reflected the ongoing collaboration among the British International Research Institutes (BIRI) as part of the Digital Coordination and Strategy Project, since 2022. The project adopts Linked Open Data (LOD) standards to uncover meaningful connections across dispersed archival holdings, with the long-term goal of building a unified digital portal.
The core aim of the project is to digitally reconnect overlooked historical relationships, particularly those that transcend disciplinary and regional boundaries, and to make them visible through innovative digital storytelling tools. Eman demonstrated how platforms such as ArcGIS StoryMap can bring these rediscovered connections to life, offering new perspectives for interpreting archival records.
As part of her presentation, Eman showcased CBRL’s StoryMap “Women Transcending Boundaries,” which explores the lives and legacies of pioneering women from various regions, including those who shaped Middle Eastern archaeology, such as Gertrude Bell and Kathleen Kenyon.
Eman’s participation contributed to broader discussions on how collaborative digital strategies can transform both access to and interpretation of Middle Eastern archival collections.
Eman said: “It was incredibly enriching experience that offered opportunities to exchange ideas with professionals committed to cultural heritage preservation and digital innovation. I’m deeply grateful to the organizers, to my colleagues at the CBRL, and to the entire BIRI network for their continued support.”
