میراث مستند در عصر هوش مصنوعی: تحلیل نظام‌مند ریسک‌ها و چالش‌ها

Purpose: Documentary heritage constitutes a significant component of the historical memory, cultural capital, and informational resources of any nation. It reflects the collective memory of society and plays a pivotal role in linking the past to the present while shaping future perspectives. Artificial intelligence, with its capabilities in data processing and pattern recognition, offers novel tools for the preservation and restoration of written heritage. Applications such as text recognition through deep learning, digitization and reconstruction of damaged materials, large‑scale analysis of historical data, and intelligent cataloging enable more accurate extraction and organization of information. Despite the broad potential of AI, the technology possesses a dual nature, and its risks cannot be overlooked. Consequently, engaging with AI requires a dialectical approach that simultaneously examines its opportunities and threats. The integration of AI into libraries and archives introduces new possibilities while also presenting fresh challenges and risks. The present study aims to identify and analyze the challenges and risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in preserving documentary heritage within libraries and archives.
Method: This research is applied in terms of purpose, qualitative in terms of approach, and exploratory interview-based in terms of data collection. To identify the risks and challenges associated with the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries and archives, 20 experts in Knowledge and Information Science, archival science, information technology, and artificial intelligence were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Subsequently, semi-structured exploratory interviews were conducted with these experts.Expert selection was based on three key criteria: professional experience and active engagement in reputable national institutions (such as the National Library and Archives of Iran, the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology, and the Computer Research Center of Islamic Sciences) and leading AI companies, with emphasis on backgrounds in information science, librarianship, archival studies, IT, and AI applications; possession of at least a master’s degree in relevant fields and specialized knowledge in AI as well as the preservation of written and documentary heritage; and research and practical experience in national projects or similar initiatives demonstrating applied expertise. Data were coded and categorized using inductive qualitative content analysis, resulting in 167 final codes (4 main categories and 15 subcategories). Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software, and Guba and Lincoln’s criteria were applied to ensure validity and reliability.
Findings: Data revealed that the implementation of AI technologies in libraries and archives—particularly in the preservation of documentary heritage—faces a range of multidimensional challenges and risks. These risks span technological, legal and security, managerial, and socio‑cultural dimensions. Managerial, infrastructural, and cultural risks exhibited the highest frequency.
Conclusion: The successful implementation of artificial intelligence in organizations such as the National Library and Archives of Iran, as the country’s central library, requires a comprehensive and systematic approach. Beyond purely technological considerations, such an approach must simultaneously encompass governance, strategy, data and infrastructure management, security, ethics, as well as human‑capital development and organizational culture. Neglecting these interconnected components significantly heightens the risk of project failure, resource wastage, and erosion of public trust. Therefore, sustainable success in AI‑driven initiatives depends on effective data and technology management, the establishment of clear legal and security policies, provision of necessary financial and technical infrastructures, enhancement of training and organizational culture, and the implementation of continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This study represents one of the first attempts to provide a comprehensive picture of the risks associated with artificial intelligence in organizations responsible for preserving the nation’s documentary heritage. It also offers a foundation for developing risk mitigation strategies and promoting the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in this field.