Conference Program Highlights the Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Archiving and Presents Distinguished and Specialized Archival Experiences and Research

The National Library and Archives (NLA) continues to host the events of the Sixteenth Conference of the Archival Education and Research Institute (AERI) in its headquarters. The sessions revolved around artificial intelligence and the possibility of using its applications in the archival sector, digital archiving and long-term storage, the revolution in digital preservation, and raising awareness about records management. Additionally, some successful and distinguished experiences in the field of archive preservation and accessibility were reviewed.

The sessions on the second day were characterized by a combination of the rich theorittical segment filled with information and the practical part that showcased  unique global experiences. This contributed to the exchange of expertise and experiences, enriching the knowledge of participants, specialists, and those interested in the archiving sector.

Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department at the NLA, praised the sessions for being rich in ideas and opinions that highlighted the benefits of applying artificial intelligence and modern technologies in the archival sector. He emphasized that these ideas and opinions have local, Arab, and global impacts, and that the discussions held at the conference enriched the field of archiving in general. From the lectures and sessions featured in the conference’s scientific program, a series of recommendations can be drawn, focusing on the solutions needed by professionals in this field due to their impact on developing archival work. This includes, in particular, the role of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in processing and providing data in the most accessible ways for decision-makers and beneficiaries.

Al-Mutairi pointed out that the sessions touched on the latest technologies, key standards criteria and specifications that contribute to data analysis, offering many solutions to challenges posed by the growing volume of digital data, the output of social media platforms, and the management of the massive amounts of digital data. The the challenges include processing, analyzing its contents and making it acessible in ways that meet researchers’ needs.

The activities on the second day of the conference included a workshop on “AI in Archive: From Research to Education. The discussions also addressed the “Evo;ution and management of Archival Collections and policies”, and “Challenges and Opportunities of open access to Archived Artifacts in Open Distance Electronic Learning Institutions: A Case Study at the University of South Africa”.

Among the conference topics were: “Ingesting digital archives into long-term storage system through free open-source software in South Africa”, and “Resources sharing and growth of knowledge in the Academic Libraries: The Case of Arab Gulf States”.

The second day also covered “Approaches to broaden archival accessibility of collections in classics libraries”, “Search behaviors and cognitive processing of researchers in Archival information retrieval”, “Revolutionizing digital preservation education”, and “Creating records management awareness through weekly highlights at the Road Accident Fund in South Africa”. Moreover, the sessions covered: “Challenges and Solutions in the Provision of Services by Regional Archive Conservation Centers in China”, “Easing the Burden: Roles for Archivists in Refugee Resettlement”, and “The model and approach of oral history archives participating in memory construction”.

It is noteworthy that the Sixteenth Arhival Education Research Institute 2024 (AERI) will continue its events over the next two days at the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi campus.

Photo Captions:

• The National Library and Archives hosts the events of the second day of the Sixteenth Archival Education Research Institute 2024 (AERI).
• Applications of artificial intelligence are at the centre of the conference’s attention.
• One of the events on the second day of the conference.
• One of the workshops on the second day of the conference.