Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Model for Arabic Name Authority Control

Abstract

This paper describes the processes developed and implemented at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) to manage authority control in a multiscript environment. The author addresses key issues associated with creating a local authority file for multiscript materials, unique challenges associated with Arabic names, and authority control policy decisions and practices in place at the BA, including contributing records to the Virtual International Authority File. The author highlights important work that the BA is doing to promote standards for Arabic names in a way that takes into account user needs in the Arab community, as well as international standards, while laying the groundwork for further cooperative work between libraries in the Arab world and beyond. A detailed description of workflow with examples is presented.