Continued cooperation between Lithuanian and Swedish archives: focus on digitisation and artificial intelligence
On May 20–22, 2025, Chief Archivist of Lithuania, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Inga Zakšauskienė, accompanied by Head of the Administration and Finance Division Rasa Šimkienė, Acting Head of the Data and Digital Preservation Solutions Division Darius Baronas, and other representatives of the Lithuanian archival system, visited the Swedish National Archives in Fränsta and Härnösand.
The visit took place as part of the project "Improving the Qualifications of Employees of the Lithuanian State Archives System" (2024–2025), implemented by the Office of the Chief Archivist of Lithuania. The project aims to strengthen human resources within the Lithuanian archival system, and an international study visit was foreseen in the implementation plan. This visit continues the long-term cooperation with the Swedish National Archives, based on mutual trust and the exchange of best practices.
During the visit, the Lithuanian delegation explored the centralized digitization model used by the Swedish National Archives. This model is characterized by clearly defined workflows, shift-based operations, robust infrastructure, and the application of artificial intelligence solutions. The delegation visited the digitization center (referred to as a “factory”) in Fränsta, where documents are digitized not only for the national archives but also for external institutions. A new archival facility in Saltvik was also introduced — a modern, user- and staff-friendly building scheduled to begin operations in autumn 2025.
Key insights relevant for the Lithuanian archival system:
· A centralized digitization model increases efficiency and reduces the likelihood of errors;
· Artificial intelligence is used to enhance document retrieval, speed up processes, and improve service delivery;
· Developing in-house expertise significantly reduces dependence on external service providers — the Swedish experience proves the value of internal capacity building.
According to Rasa Šimkienė, such collaboration is highly beneficial:
“It is not only an opportunity to observe how advanced systems operate but also a chance to engage in direct discussions, raise questions, evaluate our own processes, and seek solutions here and now.”
The Lithuanian delegation formulated recommendations for potential adaptation of a centralized digitization model in Lithuania, emphasized the importance of implementing artificial intelligence in archival processes, and stressed the need for greater investment in developing staff competencies.