Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s already reshaping the way libraries are managed. Alma’s next-generation platform uses AI not just to automate tasks, but to make libraries work faster, smarter, and more intuitively. At the heart of our approach is a clear strategy: AI in the library must be beneficial, offering helpful and ethical solutions that respect laws and best practices. Every innovation we introduce is designed to enhance the user experience, helping librarians and patrons interact with information more seamlessly than ever before.
This post marks the first chapter in our series exploring Alma’s AI vision: a vision where the platform provides insights, simplifies complex tasks, and empowers users to focus on what matters most.
Conversational AI: A smarter, more human-cantered experience
Status: In Research
What if interacting with Alma felt like talking to a knowledgeable colleague, someone who could answer your questions in plain language and even point out what you need to know before you ask? That’s the promise of Alma’s new AI-driven capabilities: Conversational AI.
With Conversational AI, librarians will be able to ask complex questions in natural language and receive immediate, actionable answers. No more navigating menus or generating lengthy reports, just direct, intuitive interactions that save time and reduce frustration. The first area of focus is Acquisitions, specifically around Funds & Ledgers. Staff will be able to ask the AI Assistant questions about their library’s funds and receive clear, conversational responses, while also taking direct actions such as updating fund information without leaving the dialogue.
This experience is powered by innovative AI agent technology. In its initial phase, the Alma Assistant will make it easy to surface the right information through natural conversation; in the next stage, it will extend beyond information retrieval to action. The Alma Assistant is not just a tool for answering questions, but the foundation of a true conversational experience, one where dialogue seamlessly evolves into meaningful action.
Conversational AI represents a significant leap in how users interact with Alma, making work with data easier, faster, and more intuitive. The Alma Assistant will be available for early access in November.
AI for Catalogers: Smarter workflows, less manual effort
Available Now: AI Metadata Assistant
In Research: Batch AI Processing
Cataloging is a critical but time-consuming part of library work. Alma’s AI Metadata Assistant already supports catalogers by generating MARC 21 records from descriptions and images, leaving librarians to review and refine suggestions rather than starting from scratch.
Looking ahead, Batch AI Processing will scale these efficiencies, reducing repetitive tasks, improving consistency, and allowing staff to tackle backlogs faster. This isn’t just about speed. It’s about creating a more satisfying, less stressful cataloging experience.
Insights without overload: Focus on what matters
Status: Early Access
In today’s data-rich systems, users often face information fatigue. Alma addresses this challenge by delivering role-specific, bite-sized insights powered by AI. By filtering out noise and surfacing only what matters, librarians can make confident decisions quickly. This is the essence of user-focused design: the right data, to the right person, at the right time, without overload.
Alma Insights brings meaningful information directly into the platform. Instead of requiring staff to sift through raw data or run complex Analytics reports, Alma highlights key trends and shares them with the right team members through simple, actionable notifications. One example is AI-Powered purchase requests insights. Purchasing requests are an important part of collection development and managing them often consumes hours of repetitive effort. Alma now offers librarians insights into the impact their effort has, and how it’s distributed during the year.
Alma Insights is available for early access and testing.
A proactive, human-centered Alma
Alma’s AI roadmap reflects a bold vision: a platform that doesn’t just manage operations but enhances the human experience. It anticipates needs, prioritizes what matters, and empowers users to act with confidence. Every innovation is crafted to make workflows smoother, insights clearer, and the library experience more enjoyable.
Up Next: Without ever replacing the expertise that only humans can bring, Chapter 2 will explore real ways AI helps librarians thrive, streamlining workflows, boosting efficiency, and enhancing library services.
