Pressures, Possibilities, and Precautions
HAI's 2026 AI Signature Research Report
Pressures, Possibilities and Precautions
AI in Heritage, Archival, and Litigation Sectors✦ What You'll Learn:
- How AI is reshaping core functions across heritage, archives, and litigation support, from access and discovery to research workflows and digital preservation.
- Where professionals see the greatest risks, including erosion of trust, misinformation, governance gaps, and pressure to adopt prematurely.
- How organizations are approaching AI adoption, including policy development, staff training, ethical issues, and internal capacity building.
- What leaders believe will matter most in 2026 and beyond, from transparency and auditability to human oversight and responsible innovation.
- Why Human‑Guided AI is emerging as a preferred path, balancing efficiency with stewardship, credibility, and professional judgment.
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MORE TO EXPLORe:
'How to Prepare Your Organization for AI Assisted Discovery' - A Practical Guide for Heritage Leaders Ready to Adopt AI with Clarity, Confidence and Responsible Stewardship
Build a Firm Foundation for AI‑Assisted Research and Discovery
Whether you manage collections or support litigation, responsible AI adoption begins with strong metadata, clear governance, and human‑guided review.
This practical guide shows how to prepare your organization for AI‑assisted discovery in ways that increase transparency, reduce risk, and strengthen stewardship and defensible research. Download the free resource to build clarity, confidence, and mission‑aligned readiness.
Across heritage, archival, and legal fields, professionals are optimistic about AI's potential — and deeply concerned about getting it right.
History Associates' AI Signature Research Report captures this tension, revealing high usage, uneven policy frameworks, and increasing support for independent audits.
This infographic brings the key findings into focus, highlighting where the sector is aligned and where it's divided.
A Conversation with Paul Sugden, CEO of PastView and TownsWeb Archiving
AI is changing heritage and archival work. Our research shows that effective AI must reinforce stewardship, improve efficiency, and increase access—while maintaining trust, provenance, and professional judgment.
Paul Sugden, CEO of PastView and TownsWeb Archiving, shares candid insights from his work with organizations across the UK, US, and internationally—giving a grounded, practical view of where AI is creating value today, where challenges remain, and how heritage leaders can prepare for the next wave of transformation.
Let’s work together to create meaningful solutions that bring history to life.
Interested in learning more about our professional services or scheduling a consultative call? I'll take the time to listen and help you make smart decisions that best meet your needs.
Bryan Long
Sales Manager
blong@historyassociates.com
560.250.7868
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