Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI) presents a significant opportunity to increase accessibility and discoverability of audiovisual collections.  Until now, the ability to find content has depended on the quality and extent of data held in the collection catalogue.  But each audiovisual item contains a wealth of additional information outside of the scope of its catalogue entry.  AI and ML allows us to use tools such as facial recognition, optical character recognition and voice to text transcription to search the collection. AI will revolutionise our ability to discover AV collections and allow us to uncover content that previously was invisible. In the past content creators, researchers and the public needed the help of NFSA staff to identify relevant collection items, but an AI search tool opens up enormous opportunities for everyone to be able to find what they are looking for using simple search terms, images or location information. 

This presentation will explore the NFSA’s early experiences in developing an AI search tool for the Australian national audiovisual collection. The presentation will look at lessons learned, challenges presented by machine learning and the future potential for this tool in assisting the NFSA to unlock content in the collection.