The Austrian National Library is embracing the digital transformation by implementing a range of measures regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The planned initiatives are guided by an AI policy that emphasises ethical, legal and social aspects.

AI Policy: https://www.onb.ac.at/en/more/about-us/policy-artificial-intelligence

The library recognises the importance of its employees in implementing these new technologies and has initiated a comprehensive training campaign to enhance their AI skills, allowing them to simplify routine tasks and focus on more valuable and strategic activities.

Media cataloguing is a key focus of the measures, with the aim of optimising it through AI-supported automation. In addition, the Austrian National Library will use AI to analyse and index its extensive image collections, which include digitised media from initiatives like Austrian Books Online (public-private-partnership with Google) and ANNO (historical newspaper collection). This pilot project will give users improved access to valuable visual collections. The library is also committed to knowledge transfer, offering specific training courses on AI to library patrons through its Centre for Information and Media Literacy.

Press Release in German: https://www.onb.ac.at/presse/pressemeldungen/pressemeldung-14-november-2024

Image: ONB