Enhancing the preservation and accessibility of missionary archives in Malabar through artificial intelligence and machine learning

Purpose This study aims to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can enhance digitization and record preservation, particularly the records of missionaries in Malabar. This study, therefore, explores how such AI-based technologies can facilitate the access, transcription and organization of these documents, as well as the challenges and matters arising from digitization. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the case study approach to analyze how the technologies of AI and ML exist in the archival preservation of missionaries’ archives in Malabar. The study evaluates the existing paradigm in the digitization process and the opportunities and risks of AI in solutions. It also presents the phenomenological research method, ethical issues of intellectual property and cultural issues derived from existing literature and other digitization initiatives. Findings AI and ML technologies offer advantages in terms of speed, quality and convenience in the digitization of records associated with history. These technologies enable automatic dictation, translation of multiple languages in documents and preparation of extensive meta-data, improving the shelving and indexing of documents within the archives. The research reveals that while an AI-based approach can work with complex and fragile materials, there are technical challenges, such as cases where optical character recognition fails for various script funding limitations. Also, there are issues of cultural sensitivity, copyrights and other legal questions related to the rights of the original creators of the digitized work, as well as a concern for the original material represented by the digitized work. Hence, the outlined challenges are met to ensure that digitization holds respect and embraces the culture and values of academics while enhancing the availability of research materials. Originality/value This paper is a mosaic of the field of digital archiving as it seeks to reveal how advancement in the application of AI and ML is revolutionizing ways of archiving history. It contains recommendations for the effective adoption of AI technologies that respect the principles of academia and culture for everyone. Consequently, this study suggests that AI can overcome the history and technology divide in education and cultural contexts.