How can AI support everyday archival work? Join the ArchXAI Workshop in Riga!
Archives across Europe are facing a shared challenge: information requests are increasing in volume and complexity, while expectations for faster and multilingual service continue to grow. At the same time, artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, offering new possibilities, but also raising practical questions.
How can AI genuinely support archival work?
Where does it add value – and where does it not?
And how can new tools be developed responsibly, together with archivists?
These questions are at the heart of the ArchXAI Workshop in Riga (23–24 April 2026).
Three workshops – from workflows to AI tools in practice
The Riga event consists of three interconnected workshops that move from process analysis to practical AI applications.
1. Understanding archival information request workflows
Before implementing AI tools, we begin with the foundations. This workshop examines how archival information requests are currently handled, where bottlenecks occur, and what kinds of development needs exist in everyday archival work.
Participants will:
- explore information request processes from the archivists’ perspective
- validate initial process analysis findings
- identify key bottlenecks and improvement areas
The goal is to ensure that future AI-supported solutions are grounded in real archival practice.
2. AI-assisted tools for information request handling
The second workshop focuses on how AI can support archivists in responding to information requests more efficiently and consistently. Participants will see how multilingual AI models and structured workflows can assist in content retrieval, analysis, and report drafting..
Discussion will centre on practical usability, risks, and opportunities in implementing AI-assisted tools in daily archival services.
3. AI-based content analysis and the ArchXAI Content Indexer
The third workshop is aimed at archival and heritage stakeholders interested in the practical use of AI in archival services. It presents current AI-based methods for content analysis and demonstrates how these are being applied in the ArchXAI Content Indexer tool.
Participants will learn how AI can support cataloging, indexing, and content discovery in archival collections. The session also provides space for open discussion: attendees are invited to share feedback, experiences, and ideas that support the development and future adoption of AI-assisted solutions for improved public archival services.
Cross-border cooperation in action
ArchXAI is a cross-border initiative involving partners from Finland, Estonia, and Latvia. The Riga workshop marks an important phase of the project, bringing together archival and heritage professionals to co-develop solutions that are practical, ethical, and adaptable across different archival systems and languages.
Rather than presenting finished products, the event creates a space for dialogue, reflection, and joint development.
Welcome to Riga
All archival and heritage professionals are warmly welcome to participate in the Riga workshop. You may register for the full two-day event or attend a single workshop session.
The workshop will be held in the architecturally striking building of the National Archives of Latvia – an inspiring setting where historical heritage and future technologies meet.
More information and registration details are available here:
https://centralbaltic.eu/project-events/archxai-workshop-ai-enhanced-archival-workflows/
We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the region to Riga in April 2026.
On behalf of ArchXAI team
Anna Ollanketo
Project manager
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
