Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Competencies for the Archival Professions

ABSTRACT This article presents qualitative research aimed at deriving key competencies for archival students and professionals to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to support the ongoing availability and accessibility of trustworthy public records. Methodology and findings are presented. Our primary source of data were interviews conducted between January and July 2023 with 10 archivists, record managers, and digital archives researchers from the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand. All our interviewees had practical experience applying AI and ML to the processing of records in archives or record management offices. Findings from the qualitative data analysis from the interviews are presented and organized in three areas of competencies: knowledge, skills, and attitudes.