The purpose of this presentation is to expose, explore, and highlight the three technologies mentioned in the title: 3D (specifically photographic capture), augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. The author will present examples from her former institution as a case study on the application, costs, and benefits of each technology.
She conducted a review of scientific literature and consulted expert colleagues to understand the current state of the use of these technologies in archives and related environments. Although it was challenging to find specific examples, they do exist. Their scarcity or invisibility may be due to a lack of promotion of resources and services, or perhaps a lack of awareness, training, and/or education. The author perceives, both from the literature and her colleagues, that a more comprehensive application of these tools will be inevitable in the archival practice of the future.
The evolution of technology and its multiple applications are transforming the work of archivists around the world —as has always been the case—. But archivists have proven to be receptive, adaptable, and open to change, and current and future technologies should not be seen as a threat. In fact, technology can offer countless —fun and engaging— opportunities to connect an increasingly broad and diverse research audience with increasingly dynamic and evolving archival content.