Archival Practice and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the fundamental questions that potential users of artificial intelligence should ask themselves when deciding to adopt AI-based tools. It also examines which AI solutions can already be applied in archival practice today, along with the main obstacles that may prevent their wider use. Method/approach: The study applied content analysis and survey method. Different use cases and practices were examined, as well as approaches for implementing AI tools. Results: The analysis showed that the use of artificial intelligence is primarily driven by the core motivations for adopting such tools: the potential benefits or advantages they offer, weighed against possible drawbacks. Conclusions/findings: The approach and analysis highlight certain fundamental questions that should be addressed when deciding to adopt AI tools or systems within archival practice. These questions determine whether the use of such tools is feasible, sustainable, and understandable.