AI Breakthroughs and What They Mean for Archives

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already revolutionizing archival work, dramatically expanding archivists’ ability to unlock the full value of their historical record collections. AI-driven technologies such as automated handwriting recognition, natural language processing (NLP), image enhancement, and automated redaction are accelerating archives worldwide. Yet, as remarkable as these advancements are, they are only the beginning. The next wave of innovation promises even greater breakthroughs. For example, in just a few years, accurate handwriting recognition will likely be standard for all records digitized. Also, low-cost tools using a smartphone may help archivists quickly understand, catalog, and prioritize their holdings before investing in higher-fidelity digitization projects. These and other advancements will enable archives to make more collections directly available to their own audience. In this class, we will examine the current state of AI technology in archival work and explore what the next 5, 10, and 20 years may hold. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for archivists to embrace these advancements while maintaining control over their collections and processes.