Digital Library Revolution: Welcoming the Era of Al Robots as Future Knowledge Assistants
Universitas Brawijaya; Universitas Brawijaya; Universitas Brawijaya
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has permeated various sectors, including libraries. While Al robots have been extensively studied in many fields, research on their application in libraries remains limited. This study explores the potential, challenges, and impact of Al robot integration in future libraries. Methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the Scopus database. Content analysis was applied to identify the use, challenges, and impact of Al robot integration in libraries, including current technologies and future projections. Results: From 592 initial articles, 21 were selected for data extraction after screening and quality assessment. The research reveals Al robots' potential to enhance service efficiency, personalization, and user experience while promoting innovation in libraries. Implementation challenges include technical, social, economic, legal, ethical, educational, and environmental aspects. Impacts include improved services, operational efficiency, and transformed staff roles. Discussion: Al robot integration in future libraries focuses on enhancing customer service, collection management, and security. Major challenges lie in educational, social, legal, and ethical domains. While significant impacts on service quality and efficiency are expected, changes in user experience and overall operations may be less dramatic. Conclusion: Al robot integration in libraries has the potential to significantly improve services and efficiency. While technical challenges can be addressed, social and legal aspects require careful consideration. A balanced approach to Al implementation is necessary to maximize benefits while minimizing disruption in the library environment.
Keywords:
Robots
· Al Libraries
· Digital Library
Introduction
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has penetrated various sectors, including libraries. Al adoption in the business world is increasing rapidly, from 20% of companies using Al in 2017 to 50% in 2022 (McKinsey Global Survey, 2022). Al is used for a variety of purposes, such as task automation (57%), predictions and analytics (42%), increased efficiency (39%), customer service (33%), and product development (26%). The impact of Al is predicted to be significant, with the potential to increase global productivity by up to 15% by 2030 (McKinsey Global Institute, 2019) and the creation of 133 million new jobs by 2025, although it also has the potential to displace another 75 million jobs (World Economic Forum, 2019) . The use of Al robots has grown rapidly in various fields, creating a significant transformation in the way we work and interact. In the manufacturing industry, AT robots are used to automate production processes which increases efficiency and reduces human errors (Khan et al., 2018). In the health sector, Al robots help in surgical operations with greater precision and manage patient data more effectively, in line with Gocen & Aydemir's (2020) findings about increased government spending in the health sector which can improve productivity and quality of human resources. In banking and finance, Al robots are used for customer service automation and credit risk analysis. Additionally, in the education sector, Al robots help in teaching and learning by providing personalized assistance to students. Lestari, (2024) emphasized that good and innovative education can be the key to encouraging regional economic growth by producing competent human resources, increase tax awareness, and improve the quality of the education sector itself. In the context of the fourth industrial revolution, the use of Al robots is becoming increasingly important, as discussed by Benotsmane et al. (2019) on the economic and social impact and operation of smart factories in Industry 4.0, with a focus on robot collaboration with simulation and artificial intelligence. (Maududy, 2024) also highlights that the development of real-time monitoring and web-based data recording in the robot painting process can increase production efficiency and contribute positively to the evolution of the manufacturing industry towards greater efficiency. Although the use of Al robots has been widely researched in various sectors, research on its application in libraries is still limited. Several previous studies have discussed the use of information technology in libraries (Okta Prima et al., 2022; Sugiyanti, 2019) and data analysis to improve library services (Irfiani, 2023; Kusumawardhani, 2022). However, no research has yet comprehensively explored the potential, challenges, and impact of integrating Al robots in future libraries. Therefore, this research aims to fill this gap by examining in depth the digital library revolution through the application of AI robots as future knowledge assistants. The research questions asked in this study are: (1) What is the potential for implementing artificial intelligence (AI)-based robots in libraries in the future? (2) What challenges might be faced in implementing AI robots in library environments in the future? (3) What is the potential impact of the integration of Al robots on library services and operations in the future? The aim of this research is to explore the potential for implementing Al robots in future libraries, identify challenges that may arise in their implementation, and analyze the potential impact of integrating this technology on library services and operations. This research aims to provide comprehensive insight into the role of Al robots in library transformation in the digital era. The use of Al robots in libraries in the future will play an important role in improving the efficiency and quality of library services. Al robots can help in cataloging and managing book collections more quickly and accurately, allowing libraries to provide more up-to-date and easily accessible information for visitors (Rasyidah, 2021). In addition, Al robots can be used to assist visitors in finding the material they need through friendly and interactive interactions, improving the overall user experience (Nazar, 2022). In a research context, Al robots can assist in big data analysis, providing new insights and supporting researchers in their studies (Restiana, 2023). The presence of Al robots can also optimize library operations, reduce staff workload, and allow them to focus on more complex tasks such as knowledge enrichment activities and direct interaction with visitors (Nazar, 2022). Thus, Al robots will become an important tool in facing future challenges and meeting the growing needs of library users. This study has implications for libraries' strategic planning in adopting Al technology, including the development of related policies and regulations. This also emphasizes the importance of preparing library human resources to face technological changes. Furthermore, this research encourages evaluation of the ethical and social impacts of Al integration, as well as anticipating the future transformation of library user services and experiences. By understanding the potential, challenges, and impact of integrating Al robots in libraries, stakeholders can take the necessary steps to ensure the successful implementation of this technology and maximize its benefits for library users.
Result
The data extraction results are grouped in table 1, table 2 and table 3 referring to the research questions. This table includes a list of authors who support each group and the number is calculated as presented in the following table: Table 1. Use of AI Robots in Libraries in the Future No Service 1 2 Customer service Collection Management Sub Information and References Circulation Services Guidance and Orientation Book Inventory Collection Compilation Citation (Kim, 2019), (Zhu, 2023), (Shariful Amen, 2024) (der Burg et al., 2022), (Hlee et al., 2022), (Park et al., 2021), (Vear, 2021). (Nasri et al., 2022), (Vear, 2021), (Zhu, 2023). (Chen & Hengjinda, 2019), (Sarmento & Correia Loureiro, Qty 3 4 3 1 2 2021), (Zhu, 2023) 3 Space Arrangement Security OptimizationS pace Use Cleanliness and (Foster et al., 2020) (Nasri et al., 2022) Maintenance Supervision and (Wang & Papastathopoulos, Monitoring 2023), Access Control ~ (Lima et al., 2020), (Molina Molina et al., 2021). Penggunaan Robot Al di Perpustakaan di Masa Depan 1 1 1 2 Graph 2. Use of AI Robots in Libraries in the Future A table analysis of the use of Al robots in future libraries yields several important conclusions. The highest priority is given to improving customer service, with a primary focus on circulation, guidance and orientation functions. This shows the hope that AT will speed up the process of borrowing and returning books, as well as helping visitors navigate the library. Collection management has also received significant attention. Although the priority for book inventory is low, Al is expected to play an important role in improving the efficiency of organization and accessibility of collections, which will ultimately increase user satisfaction. Security aspects receive medium priority, especially in terms of access control. This indicates a need to use Al to regulate access to sensitive areas or special collections, even though supervision and monitoring are considered less important On the other hand, space organization and cleanliness are given low priority. This may indicate that current technology is already effective enough or that investment in Al for these functions is not yet considered urgent. Overall, the integration of Al robots in future libraries is projected to improve the quality and efficiency of user services, with secondary benefits on internal management aspects. The ultimate goal is to create a more responsive, efficient, and user-friendly library. Table 2. Challenges of Implementing AI Robots in Future Libraries No Challenge 1 2 3 4 5 6 a5 35 w Technical Social Economy Lawand Ethics Educationand Training Environment Citation (Vear, 2021) (Li, 2024), (Holder et al., 2021), (Hlee et al., 2022) (Li, 2024). (der Burg et al., 2022), (Formosa, 2021). (Foster et al., 2020), (Chen & Hengjinda, 2019), (Li, 2024), (Papadopoulos et al., 2021) (Chen & Hengjinda, 2019) 1 mTechnical mSocial ~ mEconomy mlawand Ethics ~ mEducation and Training mEnvironment Qty 1 3 1 2 4 1 Graph 3. Challenges of Implementing AI Robots in Future Libraries Graph 3 illustrates the challenges in implementing AI robots in future libraries, with six categories rated on a scale of 0 to 4.5. The greatest challenge lies in the education and training aspect, with a score of around 4, which includes the need to train library staff and educate users. Social challenges came in second with ascore of around 3, covering issues such as public acceptance and privacy. The legal and ethical aspects are also quite significant, scoring around 2.5, covering regulation of Al use and accountability. The economic challenge is at a medium level with a score of around 1.5, regarding implementation and maintenance costs Meanwhile, technical and environmental aspects are considered the easiest to overcome, each receiving a score of around 1, indicating that the required technology is sufficiently developed and the environmental impact is considered minimal. In conclusion, although technical and environmental challenges can be managed, educational, social, and legal aspects require special attention in the implementation of Al robots in future libraries. Table 3. Potential Impact of AI Robot Integration on Library Services and Operations No Impact Citation 1 2 3 4 5 6 35 3 2.5 2 15 05 0 N User Services (Li, 2024), (Foster et al., 2020), (Shi, 2024), (Park et al., 2021). Library Operations (Chen & Hengjinda, 2019) Service Quality User Experience Library Staff Innovation and Adaptation | W User Services = User Experience (Vogan et al., 2020), (Zhu, 2023), (Shi, 2024), (Vogan et al., 2020) (Shariful Amin, 2024), (Nasri et al., 2022), (Foster et al., 2020) W Service Quality Library ® Library Staff Qty 3 1 1 3 1 2 1 Operations u Innovation and Graph 4. Potential Impact of AI Robot Integration on Library Services and Operations Graph 4 illustrates the potential impact of Al robot integration on various aspects of library services and operations, with impact values ranging from o to 3.5. Service quality is expected to see the most significant improvement, reaching the top score on the chart. User services also showed high impact, with a score of nearly 3, indicating the potential for substantial improvement through automation of routine tasks. Innovation and adaptation took third place with a score of nearly 2.5, reflecting the potential of AI robots to drive change in library practices Meanwhile, the impact on user experience and library staff is relatively low, both with a score of around 1. This suggests that despite improvements in terms of technical services, the subjective experience of users and the impact on staff may not have changed drastically. The lowest impact was seen on library operations, with scores below 1, indicating that overall changes in operations may be minimal. In conclusion, this graph illustrates that the integration of Al robots has the potential to provide significant benefits in terms of service quality and efficiency, but may not drastically change the user experience or overall library operations. This highlights the importance of a balanced and targeted application of Al technology in the library environment.
Conclusion
The integration of Al robots in future libraries is expected to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of services to users, as well as provide additional benefits to internal management aspects. The main goal of implementing this technology is to create a more responsive, efficient and user-friendly library. Although technical and environmental challenges can be overcome, educational, social, and legal aspects require special attention in implementing Al robots in future libraries. This is important to ensure smooth and continuous integration of this new technology. The integration of Al robots has the potential to provide significant benefits in improving the quality and efficiency of library services. However, the impact may not be drastic in changing the user experience or overall library operations. This emphasizes the importance of a balanced and targeted application of Al technology in the library environment to maximize benefits while minimizing disruption.