Elevate your expertise. Empower your community.
Libraries have long been the guardians of knowledge, offering access to resources, facilitating research and connecting communities. However, in an age where information is expanding exponentially, many libraries face a growing challenge. With limited time, increasing resource volumes, and the need to maintain professional standards, librarians often find themselves caught in a web of manual cataloging tasks. These tasks not only consume valuable time but also detract from what matters most: serving users and empowering their communities with reliable knowledge.

To address these challenges, Alma AI Metadata Assistant was introduced in February 2025, offering a powerful solution for libraries worldwide. Designed by librarians, for librarians, this tool is transforming cataloging processes with state-of-the-art AI while ensuring that librarians remain at the heart of every decision. Here’s how this revolutionary tool can enhance your workflows while maintaining accuracy and trust.

The problem librarians face today
Imagine this scenario: You’re working through a growing collection of resources, manually entering metadata for each one, verifying its accuracy, and ensuring compliance with cataloging standards. It’s not just tedious; it’s also time-consuming, leaving less time for community engagement, user support and other mission-critical library projects and goals.

With more than 170,000 library staff worldwide working with Alma daily, many librarians recognize a shared challenge. How can we handle increasing information demands without losing sight of quality, human expertise or the core principles that make libraries unique and irreplaceable? This is where Alma AI Metadata Assistant steps in to simplify workflows, streamline cataloging processes and empower librarians with smart automation tools.

Introducing Alma AI Metadata Assistant
The Alma AI Metadata Assistant is a breakthrough AI-powered tool that integrates seamlessly into cataloging workflows to help librarians save time while retaining full control over professional standards. Unlike traditional automated systems, which often operate in rigid or black-box frameworks, this tool is collaborative by design.

Here’s why the Alma Metadata Assistant stands out:

• Collaborative innovation: Library communities have played a powerful role in shaping its AI features. Feedback from librarians like you have been instrumental in making Alma Metadata Assistant more precise and effective for diverse library needs worldwide.
• AI as a librarian’s partner: AI simplifies repetitive tasks while empowering librarians to focus on what truly matters: human expertise, ethical considerations and contextual understanding.
• Scalable solutions for complex problems: Alma’s AI-driven tool is tackling uncataloged collections, enabling multilingual cataloging and addressing varying copyright laws.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the role of librarians in fostering knowledge and ensuring its trustworthiness is more vital than ever. To support you in this mission, Lili Daie, Alma Product Manager and fellow librarian, has shared an insightful 20-minute video discussing the development and implementation of the Alma Metadata Assistant. This video is a must-watch for every librarian looking to make the most of AI without compromising on quality or community values.

“AI can’t replace the expertise of librarians, but with thoughtful community feedback and careful design, it becomes a powerful partner— helping catalogers start faster, reduce manual effort, and unlock access to hidden collections.”
Lili Daie, Alma Product Manager and librarian, Ex Libris, Part of Clarivate

Your Next Step
Curious how Alma can enhance cataloging in your library? Watch Lili’s full interview to shed light on how libraries can use AI to create smarter, more efficient systems that place librarians and their unique skills at the center. Watch it today or bookmark it for later. Discover how AI is evolving into a collaborative partner, thoughtfully designed with academic librarians like you at the heart of its innovation.