Washington/CMEDIA: Devoted to reportedly exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cultural heritage and research contexts “for the benefit of humankind,” The Library of Congress recently signed on as a founding member of an international organization, Library of Congress reports.
Working with the AI4LAM (AI for Libraries, Archives and Museums) since soon after its formation in 2018, the Library now has over 40 institutional members from more than 10 countries, representing libraries, research institutions, and museums across the globe.
An agreement was signed by the Library of Congress Chief Information Officer Judith Conklin formally constituting AI4LAM last winter, and now the Library is looking forward to its first co-hosted Fantastic Futures conference this September.
The importance of LAM (library, archive, and museum) voices in AI discussions and implementation is indicated in the growth of this organization from a small network eight years ago to its robust current situation.
Practitioners in these organizations being experts in data and technology transformation hope to ensure that AI adoption is purposeful and responsible.
“An international, participatory community focused on advancing the use of artificial intelligence in, for and by libraries, archives and museums,” AI4LAM’s vision states that the organization “envisions a future where the collective strength of libraries, archives, and museums drives innovation in the cultural heritage sector through responsible, reliable, and trustworthy AI solutions, fostering cultural development and societal growth for a better tomorrow.”
Since the organization’s 2018 launch by the National Library of Norway and Stanford University Libraries, the Library has taken on a leadership role serving as one of seven organizations in a secretariat formed in 2019.
Working with the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art, the Library also organized an AI4LAM D.C. Chapter in 2025.
To facilitate an effective use of AIAI4LAM, the Library of Congress aims to organize collective efforts to develop and share new practices and standards and support sector-wide innovation.
Key areas of practice on specific AI topics are addressed by Working groups and include webinars and community calls for practitioners.
Grappling with major issues related to the cultural heritage sector in the age of AI, the institutions in AI4LAM are aiming to facilitate the adoption of AI tools while ensuring ethical, informed, transparent, and strategic use.
Addressing challenges specific to library, archival, and museum institutions, the organization ensures that ongoing access to knowledge is freely available and trustworthy.
Fantastic Futures, the eighth meeting of the organization’s flagship annual conference is scheduled for September 15-17, 2026 with its theme Fantastic Futures 2026: Trust in the Loop.
Co-hosted by the Library, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Institution, the meeting will be supported by staff at these organizations and the AI4LAM D.C. Chapter.
Information about all previous Fantastic Futures conferences including conference programs, repositories, and recordings can be explored.
