The University of Texas Libraries has been named a finalist for the inaugural Clarivate Library Innovation Awards, a program designed to recognize and support innovation by academic, national and public libraries worldwide. UT Libraries is one of nine finalists selected from 50 applicants representing 11 countries or regions and one of just three finalist institutions in the ELUNA Member Category (Academic Libraries North America).
UT Libraries received the finalist distinction for its AI Music Cataloging project, which demonstrates how libraries can leverage large language models alongside other tools to automate copy-cataloging workflows while maintaining quality control. The system generates metadata from images of CDs and LPs; queries OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) WorldCat for matching records; uses a large language model to evaluate matches and assign confidence scores; adjusts scores with automated comparisons of track titles and publication years; and creates bibliographic, holdings and item records.
UT Libraries staff members Hannah Chavez Moutran, Whit Williams, Benn Chang and Kayode Ishola developed the open-source toolkit.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the work of the project team, who have put an enormous amount of thought, creativity and persistence into building and testing new approaches to tackling one of the biggest challenges we face with legacy collections,” says UT Libraries Head of Content Management Corey Halaychik. “Their work is helping us rethink what large-scale cataloging and metadata creation can look like when we combine library expertise with emerging technologies.”
Finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges, including leaders from global library organizations, and reveal the breadth of innovation shaping libraries as modern service and knowledge hubs. Winners will be announced later this year.
Clarivate is the leading global provider of transformative intelligence offering enriched data, insights and analytics, workflow solutions, and expert services in the areas of academia and Government, intellectual property, and life sciences and health care.