November 17, 2024. In a development for library metadata management, Ex Libris is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance bibliographic records within the Alma Community Zone. This innovative approach addresses a long-standing challenge in library cataloging: the incomplete metadata in book bibliographic records, particularly those lacking comprehensive MARC data.

Transforming Metadata Creation Through AI

The new AI-driven enrichment process marks a significant leap forward in how libraries can maintain and improve their bibliographic records. By analyzing the full text of books, the system automatically generates detailed metadata, populating crucial MARC fields that might otherwise remain incomplete.

Scaling Up Capabilities

As of February 2024, the AI system is successfully enriching MARC fields, with an initial focus on Ebook Central titles to address specific gaps in their metadata elements. The enriched metadata will greatly improve the search experience, enabling library patrons to discover and access a wider array of resources. Ex Libris has significantly expanded its AI enrichment capabilities, now processing around 8,000 records per week.

Smart, Selective Implementation

Ex Libris' approach to AI implementation shows careful consideration of different content types. The team has discovered that non-fiction books respond particularly well to AI analysis, while other genres require tailored approaches to metadata extraction.

Quality Assurance and Community Involvement

The commitment to accuracy and reliability remains paramount throughout the enrichment process. Ex Libris employs a comprehensive monitoring system that combines internal librarian reviews with community feedback. The technical team continuously refines AI prompts and post-processing protocols, adapting them to different book types and user needs to ensure the highest quality metadata enrichment.

Looking Forward

Ex Libris continues to refine and expand this innovative service with a data-driven approach to future development. The path forward is shaped by full-text availability and careful analysis of customer usage patterns, while community feedback guides ongoing improvements. The team constantly optimizes the system across different genres to ensure the most effective metadata enrichment for each type of content.

Get Involved

Libraries already benefiting from these AI-enriched records are encouraged to provide feedback. Your input helps shape the future of this innovative service and ensures it continues to meet the evolving needs of libraries and their users.

The integration of AI in bibliographic record enrichment represents a significant step forward in library metadata management. By combining cutting-edge technology with careful implementation and community involvement, Ex Libris is helping libraries provide better, more comprehensive access to their collections than ever before.