CRL's AI Pilot Expands Access and Speed for Members
Chicago, IL – August 20, 2025
The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) has announced promising pilot results from an AI-supported metadata generation workflow that significantly reduces processing time for serials. Developed in-house by CRL’s cross-functional team, the new approach supports discovery and circulation by producing item-level metadata up to 60 times faster than traditional methods — directly benefiting CRL members by enabling faster, broader access to critical research materials.
This pilot project, led by Amy Wood's Discovery and Technology team in collaboration with Marie Waltz's Access Initiatives team, explores how artificial intelligence can improve library operations and expand member access to materials. The project centers on an AI script, created by Library Specialist, Nate Florin, that processes digital images of serial issues to automatically extract item-level metadata — including serials enumeration and chronology metadata, and barcodes, ensuring that materials enter discovery and holdings analysis pipelines more efficiently.
Early tests confirm that the technology is both practical and impactful: processing 100 serial issues takes just 8.5 minutes, delivering major efficiencies in staff time and lowering processing costs.
For CRL members, these advancements come at no additional cost while delivering greater confidence in our stewardship of the collection and strengthening every related operation, from ILL fulfillment of current holdings to space planning for future holdings. This metadata also provides our member libraries with stronger data to guide local retention and withdrawal decisions – bolstering collective collection strategies across the community.
“Without discovery, there is no access,” said Andrea Duntz, Chief Operating Officer of CRL. “This pilot reflects CRL’s commitment to practical innovation that not only accelerates access to unique collections and reduces costs but also transforms member investment into greater value—delivering excellent stewardship and access services alongside collection building. Our goal is to ensure member institutions see clear, tangible returns on their shared investment in CRL.”
CRL staff continue to evaluate and fine-tune the workflow to improve consistency, address edge cases, and prepare documentation for additional training and application. As the pilot progresses, CRL is exploring ways to scale the model to other materials, such as the organization’s extensive textbook collection and the creation of Local Holdings Records. These expansions will further enhance the scope and speed of resource availability for CRL members, providing critical support for research and teaching.
“Patrick [Nowacki] and Nate [Florin] have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time,” said Amy Wood. “We’re no longer just taking baby steps; we’re accelerating the pace at which CRL can make its collections more accessible to our members and their researchers.”
CRL’s investment in this pilot underscores its broader mission: to continuously innovate on behalf of its members, ensuring that the collective power of the consortium translates into greater access, efficiency, and impact for libraries and researchers worldwide.