From Metadata to Meaning: Applying AI in the National Library of Estonia

Abstract

Abstract The National Library of Estonia (NLE) plays, defined by its legal framework, a dual role on the one side as a National and on the other side as a Parliamentary Library, uniquely integrating these functions to preserve Estonia’s cultural and digital heritage. NLE was founded in 1918 and supports the development of all Estonian libraries. Furthermore, it leads research in the humanities and social sciences and is a hub for library and information science innovation. With 250 staff members and a budget of EUR 33.39 million, the NLE advances nationwide e-services and professional training for librarians. In 2019, the NLE launched two AI-driven projects, “Automatic Indexing” and “Ask Us”. As automated and AI-driven services becoming more and more important, the idea was to address challenges in manual processes and improve user services. The Automatic Indexing project develops machine learning and AI to streamline publication tagging, enhancing accuracy, consistency, and efficiency while reducing costs. Ask Us, part of Estonia’s “Bürokratt” initiative, integrates generic building blocks and chatbot technology to improve accessibility to library services. Both projects concluded in 2023, delivering prototypes and reusable technical components. During the project phase, NLE faced several challenges, including staff scepticism towards AI and adapting IT governance. Staff engagement through regular updates, workshops, and collaborative testing built the basis for acceptance and trust. All initiatives emphasise the commitment to implementing technology for library modernisation and, at the same time, preserving Estonia’s linguistic and cultural identity.

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