by Scott Jones 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral part of the archival field, offering new and different ways to manage, preserve, and provide access to historical documents. In Ontario, the crossroads of AI and archives is being explored through various initiatives and frameworks aimed at employing the potential of AI while ensuring ethical use and trustworthiness. 

An Introduction to AI in Ontario Archives  

The Ontario government has been working on creating an AI Framework to guide the safe and responsible use of AI across its various services. This framework is designed to be transparent, responsible, and accountable, aligning with democratic principles and rights. It emphasizes the importance of AI being used transparently, ensuring that AI serves all people in Ontario, and maintaining trust in AI applications. 

Consultations have been held to collect public input on the development of this framework, showing the government's commitment to an open and inclusive process. These consultations have highlighted the public's concerns about privacy, the desire for transparency in AI, and the need for definitions and plain language explanations. In the context of archives, AI can be a significant factor in enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of archival materials. The Archives of Ontario maintains an extensive collection of government and private documents, photographs, maps, and other historical records that could benefit from AI technologies for better management and user access. The Archives of Ontario, as part of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, provides leadership in recordkeeping, access, and privacy, which are areas where AI can contribute significantly to efficiency and effectiveness. 

The integration of AI into archival practices in Ontario is not only about improving archival management, but also about fostering a digital economy powered by trustworthy AI. This involves balancing the innovative potential of AI with ethical considerations and the protection of individual rights. 

As AI continues to evolve, it will be essential for archival institutions like the Archives of Ontario to stay abreast of technological advancements, ensuring that they leverage AI in ways that enhance their services while upholding ethical standards and public trust. The ongoing development of Ontario's Trustworthy AI Framework and the active engagement with experts and the public are positive steps toward achieving these goals. 

AI in Academic Archives in Ontario 

In Ontario, academic institutions are exploring the use of AI to process and interpret large volumes of archival data. For instance, the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing AI through research and applications, is a key player in Ontario's AI ecosystem. The institute focuses on deep learning and machine learning, crucial technologies for analyzing complex archival data. 

Moreover, the Association of Canadian Archivists has spotlighted the work of archivists like Siham Alaoui, who are at the forefront of integrating digital technologies into archival practices. Alaoui's work at Université Laval in Québec, which includes updating archival teaching programs to incorporate digital transformation, reflects a broader trend in academic archives across Canada, including Ontario (Alaoui, 2024). 

Digital archives in Ontario are also becoming more accessible thanks to AI. The Archives of Ontario, for example, offers a searchable database of government and private documents, photographs, and other materials, which can be enhanced by AI to provide more precise search results and content analysis (Archives of Ontario). 

Furthermore, the application of AI in archives raises important considerations regarding trust and collaboration. As AI technologies evolve, they offer the potential to make archives more accessible, but they also require careful management to ensure the integrity and authenticity of archival materials (Colavizza, 2022). At Conestoga College, AI in the archives has yet to be explored; Conestoga College is offering a program in Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning starting September 2024. This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to design technology stacks for emerging industry challenges, and could be useful to archival students and those interested in applying AI to their archival institution.  

 
AI in Local Archives in Ontario 

Local archives in Ontario, such as those accessible through the Archives of Ontario, provide a wealth of resources including government and private documents, photographs, maps, and more. These collections are invaluable for research, education, and preserving the cultural heritage of Ontario. Digital Archive Ontario also offers an advanced search for various collections, highlighting the integration of digital technologies in archiving practices. 

AI in Corporate Archives in Ontario 

For corporate archives, AI can offer advanced methods for managing and analyzing large volumes of data. AI technologies like machine learning and natural language processing can help in organizing, categorizing, and retrieving archival materials more efficiently. This not only enhances the accessibility of historical records but also supports better decision-making by providing insights derived from archival data. 

Conclusion 

AI is playing a huge role in the archival landscape of Ontario, enhancing the management and accessibility of historical records. The province's commitment to ethical AI use and the ongoing growth of AI in academia and the AI ecosystem position Ontario as a leader in the intersection of technology and heritage preservation. Archives, supported by digital advancements and AI applications, continue to safeguard culturally significant records about Ontario for future generations. 
 
Works Cited 

Alaoui, S. (2024). L’intelligence artificielle et la gestion documentaire : quels apports ? Quels enjeux ? Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science, 46(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.5206/cjils-rcsib.v46i2.16695 

Archives of Ontario. Index. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://aims.archives.gov.on.ca/ 

Colavizza, G., Blanke, T., Jeurgens, C., & Noordegraaf, J. (2022). Archives and AI: An Overview of Current Debates and Future Perspectives. Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage, 15(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1145/3479010 

Conestoga College. Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | Description. (n.d.). https://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/applied-artificial-intelligence-machine-learning 

 Mooradian, N. (2019, November 12). AI, Records, and Accountability. ARMA Magazine. https://magazine.arma.org/2019/11/ai-records-and-accountability/ 

Ontario. Ontario’s Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework (2023, September 14). https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-trustworthy-artificial-intelligence-ai-framework 

Author bio: Scott Jones 

I am currently working at Conestoga College – Doon campus in Kitchener, ON. I work as a Library services technician, and work the information desk as well as in the archives on various projects. A secondary portfolio I hold is with Academic Integrity at Conestoga as part of the takedown team. In the past I have worked as a Library CEO/Chief librarian at a small public library in Laurentian Hills. I helped develop programing and worked to build a community driven library by making connections with local schools, archives, museums, and genealogical groups. I have worked in school libraries as well as university libraries. For a term during my graduate program, I worked at the Map and Data Centre and Pride Library at Western University. I hold a master’s degree from Western University in Library and Information Sciences. I am also a graduate of Kings University College in London, Ontario with a Bachelor, honours specialization, in History. I have a deep appreciation for libraries and their role in the community, having worked in various related positions from bookstore clerk to library CEO.