DAR: A Digital Assets Repository for Library Collections

The Digital Assets Repository (DAR) is a system developed at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Library of Alexandria, to create and maintain the digital library collections. The system introduces a data model capable of associating the metadata of different types of resources with the content such that searching and retrieval can be done efficiently. The system automates the digitization process of library collections as well as the preservation and archiving of the digitized output and provides public access to the collection through browsing and searching capabilities. The goal of this project is building a digital resources repository by supporting the creation, use, and preservation of varieties of digital resources as well as the development of management tools. These tools help the library to preserve, manage and share digital assets. The system is based on evolving standards for easy integration with web-based interoperable digital libraries.