Archives and Artificial Intelligence: Policy Development for the Future

Courses Syllabus

Introduction
As digital technologies continue to reshape the way information is managed and preserved, archives must evolve to stay relevant. Archives and Artificial Intelligence: Policy Development for the Future is a five-day intensive course designed to prepare professionals for the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in archival practice.

Targeted at archivists, records managers, policy makers, IT professionals in heritage sectors, and government officials involved in digital transformation, this course offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Participants will explore how AI tools, such as machine learning and natural language processing, are being used to enhance archival processes ncluding classification, access, and digital preservation.

Target Audience

Archivists, Records Managers, Policy Makers, IT Professionals working with heritage
institutions, and Government officials involved in digital transformation of records
management.

objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in archival practices
• Explore modern archives policy frameworks with a focus on digital transformation
• Identify ethical and legal considerations in AI-assisted archiving
• Draft an archives policy incorporating AI tools and standards
• Design implementation strategies for AI-based archives solutions in institutions

Contents

Day One

Foundations of Archives and AI Integration

Theme: Understanding Archives in the Digital Era

• Introduction to Archives: Traditional vs. Digital Archives
• The Role of Archives in the Information Lifecycle
• Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Archival Practice
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Concepts and Applications
• Case Studies: Use of AI in Archives (automated classification, metadata
  tagging, digital restoration)

Activities:

• Group discussion: Challenges in current archival systems
• Demonstration: AI-based document tagging tools

Day Two

Archives Policy Fundamentals and Digital Transition

Theme: Building a Modern Policy Framework

• Key Elements of an Archives Policy
• International Standards: ISO 15489, ICA guidelines, Open Archival Information
  System (OAIS)
• Legal, Ethical, and Cultural Considerations in Digital Archiving
• Records Retention Schedules and Digital Preservation
• Policy Gaps in AI Adoption for Archive

Activities:

• Workshop: Policy gap analysis in participant institutions
• Group exercise: Drafting policy elements for digital archives

Day Three

Implementing AI in Archives

Theme:Practical Integration of AI Tools

• Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing in Archives
• Automating Records Appraisal, Access, and Classification
• AI for Multilingual and Multimedia Archives
• Data Governance, Security, and Integrity in AI Applications
• Risks: Bias, Data Loss, Over-Automation

Activities:

• Hands-on session: Trying AI software/tools for archival tasks
• Guest talk: From a tech expert or archivist using AI

Day Four

Archives Policy Development with AI Integration

Theme: Designing Future-Oriented Archives Policies

• Principles for AI-Inclusive Policy Design
• Aligning Archives Policy with National Digital Strategies
• Accountability and Transparency in AI Decisions
• Stakeholder Engagement and Interdepartmental Collaboration
• Sustainability and Scalability of AI-Driven Archives Systems

Activities:

• Group project: Drafting an archives policy with AI components
• Peer review of policy drafts

Day Five

Implementation Planning and Evaluation

Theme: From Policy to Practice

• Creating a Roadmap for Policy Implementation
• Change Management in Archives Modernization
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Policy Revision
• Funding and Resource Mobilization
• Final Presentations and Feedback

Activities:

• Presentation of group policy drafts
• Expert feedback and refinement
• Certification ceremony or wrap-up discussion