3 Artificial Intelligence: Already in Libraries?
Juja Chakarova · 2024
This chapter explores ideas of technical development through four industrial revolutions. Current innovations in communication and computing have led to ubiquitous computing, robots and artificial intelligence (AI). While the term AI was introduced in the mid-20th century, its ideas build on the developments in logic, mathematics, engineering and philosophy from antiquity to the present. Major subfields of AI include machine learning (ML), neural networks, computer vision, speech recognition, and natural language processing (NLP). AI is expected to disrupt the traditional professions as they are currently known. Fears are raised regarding job insecurity, along with AI biases and risks. Governments and international organisations are seeking to assist the progress of a human-centric AI by developing ethical standards. What are the current uses of AI and robots in libraries? How will they impact the profession of librarianship? Libraries promote innovation in their services because they are traditionally user-oriented but must share the risk and cost of AI projects to be effective. Most importantly, libraries must invest in new skills and knowledge to ensure competent librarians for the future.