Artificial intelligence arrives in the library
| Pages | 456-459 |
| Published date | 09 July 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-02-2018-0011 |
| Date | 09 July 2018 |
| Author | Bruce Massis |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Artificial intelligence arrives in
the library
Bruce Massis
Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this columnis to examine artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential relationship
to the library.
Design/methodology/approach –Literaturereview and commentary on this topic have been addressed
by professionals,researchers and practitioners.
Findings –The very disruptive nature of any new technology could be viewed as a threat to many
institutions,including the library. But with the eventual acceptanceand incorporation of AI into its services, it
is certainly possible to speculate that this latest technology “intrusion”could also offer many potential
positive enhancements into a multitude of library services, many of which are only being examined,
consideredand piloted in their early stages of development.
Originality/value –The value in exploringthis topic is to present a look at the potential of using AI in the
library andto open a discussion of its potential benefits.
Keywords Services, Libraries, Librarians, Artificial intelligence, Virtual
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
“Artificial Intelligence (AI),”atermfirst officially coined in the 1950s, but perhaps
imagined by some at an even earlier point in time, has reached a position in its continuing
development where, today, software is being written to allow it to perform many of the
“human”tasks initially only dreamt of, into reality. Generations of science fiction readers
have their own memories as to what the term means to them and movie fans can rattle off
a countless list of the films using AI concepts that have led to a film’s conclusion where
either the world is saved by it or is nearly destroyed by its power. Today, many rely on
answers to questions using AI devices such as Amazon’s Echo, Google’s Home or Apple’s
Homepod, all selling at retail for a price reasonably affordable by many consumers.
Academic librarians, who have been brought up in a college’s research and development-
heavy environment, welcomed this development as it is a profession known for accepting
cutting edge concepts, of not just information delivery, but technology as well. Will the
development and provision of AI become a trend in libraries?
The artificial intelligence lab at the University of Rhode Island
A trend must begin somewhere, so, in January 2018, when it was announced that the
University of Rhode Island had planned to place its AI lab in its library, there would
undoubtedly be great excitement elicited by this news within that academic library
community. In its forward thinking manner,the university understood that the background
and training of librarians could bring great benefit to the partner projects that would
emanate from theinstallation of such a lab:
Declaration: The author declares that there is no potential conflict of interest in the research.
ILS
119,7/8
456
Received19 March 2018
Accepted19 March 2018
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.119 No. 7/8, 2018
pp. 456-459
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-02-2018-0011
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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