Some believe that human intelligence is still a necessity in our libraries, even as artificial intelligence helps to improve it. The new library@harbourfront in VivoCity is currently the largest library located in a local shopping mall in Singapore. In line with the vision of becoming a Smart Nation, the new space has a digital focus.
Increasingly, the National Library Board (NLB) is using technology to enhance public access and usage of the library. Technology is also used in the operations as they have invested in highly intelligent book sorting systems to reduce the need for manpower to do routine tasks such as shelving.
There is still a place for human intelligence in curation, designing programs for learning, and nurturing learning in others, according to the author of the commentary. These are the important work of human librarians in our community libraries that enhance the environment of learning for users.
Read the full article on Channel NewsAsia: Commentary: HarbourFront library a leap in use of tech but librarians remain central to learning
Analysis:
Libraries contain a wealth of knowledge that people can gain access to easily. To encourage children to become readers, we need to provide them with an environment of learning to spark their curiosity. The best way to do so is by understanding the child’s preferences and profile, and guiding them towards resources that would be of interest to them. The role of technology in this aspect is limited.
Algorithms can learn from past data, but they would not have the capacity to recommend which title may be more suitable over another for a new reader. An experienced and well-read librarian would have that repository of knowledge to advise accordingly. Thus, the role of librarians will continue to add value to the environment of learning.
Questions for further personal evaluation:
- Who or what inspired you to be curious? How did it happen?
- Why would you still read books instead of online materials?
Useful vocabulary:
- ‘encapsulate’: express the essential features of (something) succinctly
- ‘repository’: a person or thing regarded as a store of information or in which a particular quality may be found
Picture credits:https://pixabay.com/en/books-college-cover-document-1845614/