Telepresence robotics in an academic library. A study of exposure and adaptation among patrons and employees
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-03-2017-0059 |
Published date | 18 September 2017 |
Date | 18 September 2017 |
Pages | 408-420 |
Author | LuMarie Guth,Patricia Vander Meer |
Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information user studies,Metadata,Information & knowledge management,Information & communications technology,Internet |
Telepresence robotics in an
academic library
A study of exposure and adaptation among
patrons and employees
LuMarie Guth and Patricia Vander Meer
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Abstract
Purpose –Librariansare working with telepresencerobotics for various uses,particularly as a communication
method inhabitinga space between video chatand face-to-face interactions.The library at (Blinded University)
partnered withthe (Blinded Laboratory) to showcasethis emerging technologyin a high-traffic setting utilized
by studentsof every level and major. The purpose of thispaper is to discuss patron reactionsto this technology
exhibition in the library, beta testing of a telepresence robot in various public services tasks, and library
employee attitudestoward this unfamiliar technologybefore and after one-on-one training.
Design/methodology/approach –The project gathered data through three studies. In study 1, feedback
forms were filled out by patrons who interacted with or piloted the robot. In study 2, observations by the
librarians piloting the robot for various public services activities were recorded in a log. In study 3, employees
were invited to complete a pretest designed to solicit perceptions and attitudes regarding the use of the robot,
become trained in navigating the robot, and complete a posttest for comparison purposes. Results were
analyzed to find trends and highlight perceived uses for the technology.
Findings –Patrons and library employees gave positive feedback regarding the novelty of the technology
and appreciated its remote communication capability. Trialed uses of the technology for public services
yielded positive results when the TR was used for public relations, such as at special events or in greeting
tours, and yielded less positive results when used for reference purposes. Library employees comfort with and
perceived utility of the robot grew consistently across departments, levels of experience and employment
types after a personal training session.
Originality/value –Although libraries in recent years have surveyed users regarding TR technology, this
paper captures quantitative and qualitative data from a library employee training study regarding perception
of the technology. Exploration of the public services uses and library employee acceptance of TR technology
is valuable to those contemplating expending time and resources in similar endeavors.
Keywords Academic libraries, Telepresence, Collaborative alliances, Robots, Communications technology,
Attitude surveys
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
A librarian in Bologna, Italy, is invited by a colleague in Michigan to tour her library. She is
not planning any immediate travel. She plans instead to visit while sitting at her desk in her
office. She downloads software on her computer and awakens a telepresence robot (TR) in
Kalamazoo, MI, which becomes her eyes, ears, and legs, allowing her to drive around the
library taking in the sights and services and conversing with her colleague, library staff,
and patrons she encounters along the way.
TR technology offers people the opportunity to visit someone across a building or across
the world withouthaving to leave their chair.Because of this flexibilitythe technology is being
used in a steadily growing number of applications in a variety of settings (Lehrbaum, 2013).
A scan of the literature yields hundreds of results that address TR applications in many
settings, withincreasing citations since 2008. These settings include, among others, medicine
where an RP-7 (InTouch TechnologiesInc.) TR was used by an Advanced PracticeRegistered
Nurse to provide wellness visits at a clinic 250 miles away and business where TR is one
possible solution to providingwork accommodations toemployees with ambulatoryproblems
or other disabilities confining them to their homes (Vermeersch et al., 2015; Parini, 2016).
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 35 No. 3, 2017
pp. 408-420
© Emerald PublishingLimited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-03-2017-0059
Received 22 March 2017
Revised 22 May 2017
Accepted 23 May 2017
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
408
LHT
35,3
To continue reading
Request your trial