Artificial intelligence for museum and archival practice: a wayang golek case study

Purpose This paper aims to examine the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in museum and archival practice from a library and information science (LIS) perspective, focusing on the preservation of wayang golek, a traditional Indonesian wooden puppet theatre. Design/methodology/approach The prototype was developed using Figma Make, a practical generative AI tool that supports metadata creation, knowledge organisation and digital collection management. Findings AI can support curatorial work by enabling automated cataloguing, enriching metadata, and facilitating digital storytelling to enhance audience engagement. However, issues concerning cultural authenticity and ethical data governance remain significant challenges. Practical implications This study demonstrates how AI can assist museum professionals in improving collection management, expanding cultural access and supporting collaborative curation, provided ethical and cultural considerations are integrated into system design. Originality/value This study contributes to current discussions on AI and intangible cultural heritage by offering a practical LIS-based framework for museum applications, with particular emphasis on wayang golek.