Artificial intelligence to support public digital archiving in South Africa

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence in digital archives has the potential to support public archives in the provision of quality archival services in the fifth industrial revolution. Digital archives can be made more effective in providing quality services and become more accessible through artificial intelligence and intelligent robotic machines in the fifth industrial revolution. This study sought to explore the use of artificial intelligence to support public digital archiving in South Africa. Public archives preserve crucial records of communities for ease of access. There is a need to incorporate the use of artificial intelligence and intelligent robotic machines to support the preservation of, and access to, records in the public archives of South Africa. The study was based on a literature review and the experience of the researchers in respect of the application of artificial intelligence for records and archival management in South Africa. Artificial intelligence can be used to support the digital archives in ensuring that digital archives are safe, protected and accessible. A framework on the application of artificial intelligence was also recommended to assist with the utilisation of artificial intelligence for the management of public digital archives in the fifth industrial revolution.