Ex Libris™, part of Clarivate™, is excited to introduce Ex Libris Specto, an innovative AI-powered digital asset management solution designed to streamline this labor-intensive task, allowing librarians and archivists to focus on what truly matters —sharing the rich stories within their collections.  

In a previous post in this blog series, we highlighted the value of AI-assisted metadata generation for digital assets. As previously noted, special collections are often the gem of a library and deserve to be easily accessible to library patrons. However, the meticulous process of creating and managing metadata for various assets, from historical documents to multimedia files, demands significant time and effort. 

In response to these challenges, we outlined a vision for the future of digital collections powered with burgeoning technological advancement including AI enhancements and Linked Open Data.  

Now, we’re sharing with you how this vision is coming to life with Specto. 

What is Specto and how does it work? 

Specto is not just another digital asset management tool; it is a leap forward in how libraries manage their digital treasures. At its core, Specto integrates an AI Metadata Assistant that automates and enhances the metadata creation process. Here’s how it transforms original cataloging: 

1. AI-driven metadata creation: Specto’s AI Metadata Assistant generates descriptive metadata with impressive speed and accuracy. It can read and interpret various types of digital content, whether images, texts, or videos. For images, it employs Named Entity Recognition (NER) to identify and catalog entities such as faces and landmarks. For textual content, it uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to extract and interpret written information, linking it to related materials seamlessly. 
2. Entity extraction and linking: Specto’s Metadata Assistant doesn’t only tag objects; it connects them with one another. By identifying distinct entities and linking related materials through Linked Open Data, Specto builds a rich, interconnected web of information. This capability not only organizes content but also enhances its discoverability. 
3. Customized workflows: Recognizing that different types of media require different handling, Specto offers tailored workflows. For instance, while handling images, the AI focuses on visual elements, and for texts, it emphasizes written content and its context. This specialized approach ensures each asset is cataloged with precision and relevance. 
4. Group cataloging: One of the standout features in Specto is its ability to apply metadata uniformly across related items. When a cataloger tags a particular entity, Specto automatically applies this tag to all related items in the collection, ensuring consistency and saving valuable time. 

The benefits for libraries 

Implementing Specto offers libraries several key advantages: 

1. Accelerated metadata creation: By reducing the time and effort required for metadata creation, Specto allows librarians to shift their focus from repetitive tasks to more engaging activities, such as sharing and interpreting their collections. 
2. Enhanced discovery and visibility: Specto boosts the visibility of library collections by optimizing them for search engines and creating various entry points, such as online exhibitions and delivery pages. This means that special collections can reach a broader audience beyond the library’s traditional user base, drawing attention from researchers, students and the general public. 
3. Immersive user journeys: Specto does more than catalog — it enhances the user experience. With immersive discovery tools, users can explore collections in a more engaging manner. Features like online exhibitions and delivery pages provide additional context and information, enriching the research experience and encouraging deeper interaction with the collection. 

In a world where digital assets are becoming increasingly valuable, Specto stands out as a transformative tool for libraries. By leveraging AI to streamline cataloging processes, Specto empowers librarians to focus on curating and sharing the stories behind their collections. It not only speeds up metadata creation but also opens new avenues for discovery and enhances the user experience.  

For libraries looking to modernize their digital asset management and engage with their audiences more effectively, Specto offers a compelling solution that bridges the gap between technology and storytelling. 

Specto is set to launch by the end of 2025. Learn how Specto can open new doors to your digital collections, visit www.meetspecto.com.