Archives and artificial intelligence: The Métis Oral History Transcription Project by the Esplanade Archives

Philip Pype
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Philip Pype: City of Medicine Hat, Canada

Journal of Digital Media Management, 2025, vol. 13, issue 4, 369-379

Abstract: This paper describes how the City of Medicine Hat Archives sought to determine the validity of transcribing its collection of well over 1,000 oral recordings, in order to enhance their accessibility. This endeavour — the Métis Oral History Transcription Project — was conducted during the summer of 2023, using Descript (a subscription-based artificial intelligence audio transcription application) to transcribe a selection of significant oral histories, cared for and made accessible through the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre. As an act towards Truth and Reconciliation and to amplify voices historically stifled by the ‘official record’ that dominates so many archives, nine Métis oral histories were selected to be made more accessible to the public. The software proved extremely useful, but the transcription of oral recordings remains a labour-intensive undertaking. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/

Keywords: archives; transcription; artificial intelligence; experimental archives; indigeneity; repatriation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M11 M15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aza:jdmm00:y:2025:v:13:i:4:p:369-379

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