Highlights from Ines Vodopivec’s, AI4LAM Secretary General, Visit to South Korea
AI4LAM has had an exciting and productive few weeks, marked by new partnerships, international engagement, and important discussions about the future of artificial intelligence in the cultural heritage sector. A significant part of this activity took place in South Korea, where AI4LAM Secretary General Ines Vodopivec spent two weeks on a business trip, where she attended the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, took part in professional discussions, delivered lectures, met with colleagues and explored new opportunities for international cooperation, further strengthening AI4LAM’s presence in the Korean cultural heritage and library community.
AI4LAM Strengthens Its Global Presence and Advances the Future of AI in Cultural Heritage.
During her stay, Ines Vodopivec delivered lectures at Ewha Womans University and the National Archives of Korea, strengthening AI4LAM’s international presence and opening new opportunities for cooperation.
At Ewha Womans University, the discussion was focused on a pressing challenge facing university libraries today: how can libraries continue to provide meaningful resources and services to users who are increasingly accustomed to generic AI applications in their everyday lives? The conversation also addressed another crucial question: how can university libraries implement AI responsibly in their workflows? These issues will remain an important part of AI4LAM’s future work, including through its new working groups dedicated to exploring practical solutions for libraries and other cultural heritage institutions.
The visit to the National Archives of Korea offered another valuable perspective. During a meeting with Acting Director General Kwag, Jeong and Jiyoung Park, Ines Vodopivec learned more about the Archives’ digitisation processes and its work to preserve cultural heritage and make it more accessible in the digital age. She also presented AI4LAM’s activities and exchanged ideas on how artificial intelligence can support libraries, archives and museums while creating new possibilities for the future of cultural heritage.
The visit was also an opportunity to experience Korea’s rich cultural heritage beyond the professional programme – from traditional food and calligraphy to the vibrant city of Busan and innovative digital immersive experiences. The combination of cultural traditions and emerging technologies provided a fitting backdrop for reflecting on AI4LAM’s mission.
With bold ambitions, international cooperation and a commitment to responsible innovation, AI4LAM is helping build the Fantastic Future of artificial intelligence and cultural heritage – connecting the knowledge of the past with the possibilities of tomorrow.
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