How do we ensure that our digitized archives stay relevant and adapt to future technologies? How do we prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of blaming the algorithm and consequent AI tools when they don't deliver the 'right' results?In September 2023, we were honoured to join fellow memory workers in the 2023 FIAT/IFTA conference that was held at PalaCinema in Locarno, Switzerland, a place known for its cinematic glory. The conference, centred around AI, gathered professionals dedicated to preserving audiovisual heritage. The discussions covered a wide array of innovative ways AI is being woven into archival practices, each shedding light on its possibilities and benefits.
AI for Content Cataloguing
One standout topic was the role of artificial intelligence in cataloguing and organizing vast archives. AI is revolutionizing the way we handle transcription, labelling, and categorization of audiovisual materials. The SAVA team shared their journey of using AI to streamline cataloguing by identifying performers in videos through OCR and building thematic databases. Similarly, RTVE highlighted their venture into AI for automating cataloging in their television archive. The result? Better content descriptions, improved accessibility, and a surge in the use of archival material.
AI for Metadata Enhancement
AI isn’t just about automation; it’s a game-changer for enhancing metadata associated with archival content. From identifying and correcting offensive terms to adding relevant keywords, AI is elevating the quality of metadata. The DE-BIAS project, funded by the EU, demonstrated how AI can automatically detect and correct offensive terms in cultural heritage metadata. What makes it even more impressive is that they’re collaborating closely with the communities linked to the subjects in the archive, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach.
AI for Content Retrieval
Imagine having AI-powered search algorithms and similarity matching to help you navigate vast archives. It’s like a treasure hunt made easy. The Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision showcased their implementation of AI-based similarity searches. This enables users to find matching scenes by providing sample images, which significantly improves content retrieval. What’s heart-warming is the real-life stories that emerge from these finds; someone even recognized themselves in an old photo, unlocking new narratives and memories.
AI for Preservation and Migration
AI isn’t just about organizing and retrieving; it’s also a superhero in preserving digital media and migrating content to ensure long-term accessibility. The European Broadcasting Union introduced EBUCorePlus, an open-source tool that uses AI and semantics to enhance media asset preservation. It covers the entire media value chain, seamlessly integrating various aspects like planning, production, distribution, and archiving. What’s more, it can integrate external information sources, thanks to its knowledge graphs and linked open data sources.
Sure, the abundance of AI technologies may seem overwhelming, especially for those of us who are yet to digitize our archives. But as I delved into these ideas, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. It’s clear that now is the perfect time for those of us who haven’t gone digital with our media archives to actually do it! The experimentation has already been done, and the best practices are laid out. We can digitize carefully curated archives that reflect our own realities and identities, with the invaluable guidance of pioneers in the field.
But here’s the catch: How do we ensure that our digitized archives stay relevant and adapt to future technologies? How do we prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of blaming the algorithm and consequent AI tools when they don’t deliver the ‘right’ results?
It starts with solid cataloguing practices. We need cataloguing frameworks that accurately represent our societies and knowledge systems; making data easily searchable, accessible, and adaptable for repurposing. Collaboration with our communities is vital to capture accurate metadata and to, in the words of Asli Ozgen, help us activate the archive, and in turn they can be activated by the archive.
We also need the expertise of tech professional who can create innovative tools that are aligned to our unique contexts and realities. And let’s not forget the importance of advocacy from civil society and lawmakers, who will help us with relevant traditional knowledge laws that will protect our data and communities.
I’m optimistic that we can not only get this done, but get it done right. The chance to present our histories in engaging, immersive, and educational formats is now! The opportunity is ripe to change the perception of our archives from mundane to captivating, allowing our communities to see them in a whole new light, and consequently join in on the cool ways that these archives can be re-used for present audiences.
As one presenter wisely put it, “An archive is a time travel machine to self-discovery.” As we build these time travel machines, let’s build them on foundations that are strong, but most importantly, foundations that will serve many generations.
This article was originally published by Mutanu Kyany'a on FIAT/IFTA.
