ELUNA learns 2025 – Emerging Technologies

ELUNA learns – Emerging Technologies

• 1:00 pm – 1:05 pm. Introduction
• 1:05 pm – 1:50 pm. Meet Specto – the AI-powered platform for digital collections
• 1:50 pm – 2:00 pm. Break
• 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm. AI Subject Generation: Alma AI Metadata Assistant vs. UCF’s Custom AI
• 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm. Break
• 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm. Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities: Advancing Linked Open Data Initiatives in Libraries

Note, schedule times are approximate. Schedule may shift slightly during the event.

Meet Specto – the AI-powered platform for digital collections. Shmuel Ohayon, Director, Product Management, Clarivate.

Alma Specto is Clarivate’s next generation Digital Assets management platform that helps libraries unlock the value of their digital collections. Its AI Catalogue Assistant automates metadata creation, identifies key entities, and links related materials to reveal hidden connections, while supporting bulk updates and Linked Open Data for greater discoverability. Specto also enhances access through SEO-optimized pages, intuitive discovery journeys, and exhibition tools that transform collections into engaging stories. By making collections easier to find and more accessible, the platform empowers institutions to curate impactful digital exhibitions and share their heritage in new ways. This session offers an overview of Specto’s capabilities and how AI is reshaping collection management, visibility, and impact.

AI Subject Generation: Alma AI Metadata Assistant vs. UCF’s Custom AI. Sai Deng, Metadata Librarian, University of Central Florida Libraries; Jeanne Piascik, Head, Metadata Creation and Management, University of Central Florida Libraries.

In response to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into library cataloging and metadata, the University of Central Florida (UCF) Libraries has created a custom programming script to automate subject generation. This presentation updates and expands on the session delivered at ELUNA 2025, providing an overview of the project and presenting new findings from evaluations using additional datasets to compare UCF’s approach with the Alma AI Metadata Assistant. The custom script generates both Faceted Application of Subject Terminology (FAST) terms and keywords using the OpenAI API for traditional and digital collections, initially incorporating OCLC’s FAST Reconciliation Service and later transitioning to a custom FAST headings vector database for term validation. The updated experience with both UCF’s custom AI approach and the Alma AI Metadata Assistant will be shared, focusing on the evaluation of newly generated terms, features, advantages, and limitations of each method. This session will also examine their impact on metadata workflows, internal and external collaborations, and key lessons learned since the initial presentation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into integrating AI into cataloging practices and the latest practical outcomes of adopting these innovative approaches.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities: Advancing Linked Open Data Initiatives in Libraries. Tricia Clayton, Discovery & Delivery Program Manager, Emory University Libraries; Sofia Slutskaya, Head, Resource Description, Emory University Woodruff Library; Abby Dover, Linked Data Librarian, Northwestern University.

Recent advances by Ex Libris and other LSP and discovery vendors in linked open data highlight the library ecosystem’s readiness to shift from theory to practical tools and workflows. These developments have the potential to transform resource description and discovery processes. However, many libraries face challenges in securing resources, building infrastructure, and gaining administrative support for adopting linked data standards and technologies. In this session librarians from Emory University and Northwestern University will share steps their libraries are taking to advance linked data initiatives, offering insights into overcoming barriers and driving progress. Discussion topics will include takeaways from participating in the Ex Libris Linked Open Data Focus Group, advocating with library administration, strategic planning, developing workflows for adopting linked data in resource description and identity management tools such as Wikidata, and fostering a culture of active exploration and learning about linked data.