It is interesting to theorise on what future opportunities and trends may impact information professionals. Libraries and information agencies are subject to change due to the nature of the industry. Information is constantly changing and evolving, as is the way in which information is accessed. Technology evolves so rapidly that information professionals should be committed to embracing technological change.
A trend I find of particular importance is that of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The incorporation of AI capabilities into libraries creates unlimited opportunities for the future of the information industry. Artificial intelligence facilities computers to perform tasks typically requiring intellect and decision-making capabilities. For example, an AI system managing customer requests and queries may ease the ‘tedious’ workload of a human librarian (Axelsson, 2019). However, does this development also threaten the existence of the librarian’s job?
Helsinki’s central library Oodi utilises automation and robotics with an automatic returns system that assists back of house operations and ‘social robots’ on the library floor to assist patrons (Axelsson, 2019). The ‘social robot’ was designed with the capability to perform menial tasks while autonomously engaging in social interaction with customers (Axelsson, 2019). Axelsson (2019) implies that patrons and library staff alike have successfully embraced the ‘social robot’. From an information professional’s perspective, benefit comes from the ability to deliver service that exceeds the conventions of a traditional library’s catalogue and staff.
My concern does not come from current use of AI and robotics. It is positive development that librarians have the time available to provide patrons with more qualitative expertise. I am however worried about the future developments of AI programming to simulate the intellect and personality of a human librarian. Axelsson (2019) states, “Future versions will utilize the emotion system to a further extent.” Change within libraries and information organisations are inevitable, regardless of whether those changes are as a result of internal or external influences. It is my fear that as the technological advancements continue to approach human-like levels of intelligence it consequently reduces the necessity of living librarians, even if their role was to only oversee operations.
Axelsson, M. (2019). The little robot that lived at the library. https://towardsdatascience.com/the-little-robot-that-lived-at-the-library-90431f34ae2c