{"id":292136,"date":"2025-09-08T14:36:58","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T14:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/blog\/shaping-tomorrow-introducing-almas-ai-vision-chapter-1-ai-in-almas-next-generation-platform-the-evolving-user-experience\/"},"modified":"2025-09-08T14:36:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T14:36:58","slug":"shaping-tomorrow-introducing-almas-ai-vision-chapter-1-ai-in-almas-next-generation-platform-the-evolving-user-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/blog\/shaping-tomorrow-introducing-almas-ai-vision-chapter-1-ai-in-almas-next-generation-platform-the-evolving-user-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Shaping Tomorrow: Introducing Alma&#8217;s AI Vision"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>Chapter 1: AI in Alma\u2019s Next-Generation Platform &#8211; The Evolving User Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It\u2019s already reshaping the way libraries are managed. Alma\u2019s 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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This post marks the first chapter in our series exploring Alma\u2019s AI vision: a vision where the platform provides insights, simplifies complex tasks, and empowers users to focus on what matters most.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conversational AI: A smarter, more human-cantered experience<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Status: In Research\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What if interacting with Alma <a href=\"\/products\/alma-library-services-platform\/\">library management system<\/a> 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\u2019s the promise of Alma\u2019s new AI-driven capabilities: Conversational AI.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conversational AI<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, 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 <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Funds &amp; Ledgers<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Staff will be able to ask the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI Assistant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> questions about their library\u2019s funds and receive clear, conversational responses, while also taking direct actions such as updating fund information without leaving the dialogue.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This experience is powered by innovative AI agent technology. In its initial phase, the Alma<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">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 <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alma Assistant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is not just a tool for answering questions, but the foundation of a true conversational experience, one where dialogue seamlessly evolves into meaningful action.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-109248\" src=\"https:\/\/exlibrisgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/clipboard_ec65af001b69a9811b5fcf13fe50c4ee0-300x127.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1412\" height=\"598\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conversational AI<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> represents a significant leap in how users interact with Alma, making work with data easier, faster, and more intuitive. The <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alma Assistant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> will be available for early access in November.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI for Catalogers: Smarter workflows, less manual effort<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Available Now:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> AI Metadata Assistant<\/span><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In Research:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Batch AI Processing<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cataloging is a critical but time-consuming part of library work. Alma\u2019s <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI Metadata Assistant<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> already supports catalogers by generating MARC 21 records from descriptions and images, leaving librarians to review and refine suggestions rather than starting from scratch.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Looking ahead, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Batch AI Processing<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> will scale these efficiencies, reducing repetitive tasks, improving consistency, and allowing staff to tackle backlogs faster. This isn\u2019t just about speed. It\u2019s about creating a more satisfying, less stressful cataloging experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Insights without overload: Focus on what matters<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Status: Early Access<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In today\u2019s 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alma Insights<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 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 <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI-Powered purchase requests insights<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. 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\u2019s distributed during the year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-109257\" src=\"https:\/\/exlibrisgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/clipboard_e2d8f2298926dcf04bb0c131624317325-300x100.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1095\" height=\"365\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alma Insights<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is available for early access and testing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A proactive, human-centered Alma<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/knowledge.exlibrisgroup.com\/Alma\/Product_Materials\/010Roadmap\/Artificial_Intelligence_in_Alma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alma\u2019s AI roadmap<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> reflects a bold vision: a platform that doesn\u2019t 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.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Up Next<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Without ever replacing the expertise that only humans can bring, <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chapter 2<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> will explore real ways AI helps librarians thrive, streamlining workflows, boosting efficiency, and enhancing library services.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0Learn about other ways to get the most out of an <a href=\"https:\/\/exlibrisgroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">integrated library system<\/a>, such as Primo <a href=\"\/products\/primo-discovery-service\/\">library discovery service<\/a> and Leganto <a href=\"\/products\/leganto-reading-list-management-system\/\">list management system<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chapter 1: AI in Alma\u2019s Next-Generation Platform &#8211; The Evolving User Experience &nbsp; Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It\u2019s already reshaping the way libraries are managed. Alma\u2019s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":292137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1483],"tags":[1500,1487],"class_list":["post-292136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-library-software","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-community"],"acf":[],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":292136},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"pll_sync_post":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=292136"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292136\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/292137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=292136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=292136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clarivate.com\/academia-government\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=292136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}