AI Innovations in Public Services : The Case of National Libraries / edited by Ines Mergel, Carsten Schmidt.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Mergel, Ines., Editor.

Schmidt, Carsten, Editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Application software.

Library science.

Artificial intelligence.

Public administration.

Computer and Information Systems Applications.

Library Science.

Artificial Intelligence.

Public Administration.

Local Subjects:

Computer and Information Systems Applications.

Library Science.

Artificial Intelligence.

Public Administration.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (XVI, 222 p. 12 illus., 2 illus. in color.)

Edition:

1st ed. 2026.

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer Nature Switzerland : Imprint: Springer, 2026.

Summary:

This open access book explores how national libraries digitally transform their processes and services by using artificial intelligence and shows how they integrate co-creation strategies and provide actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers and library managers to help shape the future of libraries. It is the result of the LibrarIN project, a Horizon Europe initiative focused on reimagining library services through social innovation and the co-creation of public value. The book comprises three different parts. The first part focuses on the introduction, research design, and description of expectations. The second part consists of twelve in-depth illustrations of AI projects in national libraries of the European Union, associated countries, and the Library of Congress, United States. These case studies demonstrate how national libraries co-created the digital transformation of their services by including their stakeholders in the AI implementation steps to preserve the national values and heritage. The third part includes recommendations for implementation and provides insights into a “toolkit” for policymakers and innovators in libraries. This book aims to build a bridge between research, practice, and policy. It is thus designed for a diverse audience, including library managers, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering both strategic insights and practical case studies on how AI can shape the future of libraries. Overall, it provides a comprehensive resource that supports the responsible and effective adoption of AI within the library ecosystem.

Contents:

Part I: Introduction

Introduction, Research Design, Expectations

Part II: In-Depth Case Illustrations of 12 AI Projects in National Libraries

Applying AI to increase cultural accessibility: The postcard project at the Royal Danish Library

Automated subject cataloguing at the German National Library

AI-supported automated subject indexing and meta data management with Annif and Finto AI at the National Library of Finland

Visual Discovery through AI: Unlocking the Postcard Archive at the National Library of Sweden

From Data to AI-based Discovery: The Maken Project at the National Library of Norway

The Retrocatalography Project: Combing AI with the Microsoft Power platform at the Belgian National Library

AI for Access: Strategic Innovation at the Dutch National Library

How to make millions of documents accessible through AI and a digital library? The case of Gallica at the French National Library

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

Implementing AI in the National Library of Spain: The ETSO Project and Stylometric Analysis of Golden Age Theater

Accessing 19th Century Library Collection with the “Living with Machines” project at the British Library

Exploring computational descriptions for meta-data creation for e-books at the Library of Congress

Part III: Recommendations

Recommendations for AI implementation in Libraries

Innovating Libraries: The LibrarIN Toolkit for Policy and Practice.

ISBN:

3-032-01344-5

9783032013446