In recent years, many libraries in China have introduced androids to tap into the artificial intelligence technology.
Shanghai Library
Tu Xiaoling, the android that answers readers’ questions at the registration assistance desk and the Chinese book lending room of Shanghai Library, was officially put into use on January 1, 2018. It can not only serve readers when there’s no librarian on duty, but also provide information on weather and map, or even have a chit chat with readers.
Hubei Library
An android was put into trial use at the digital display area of Hubei Library in May 2017, providing information consultancy and search services. Colored in orange and white and less than 1 meter tall, the android stands at the east service desk on the sixth floor of the library.
This small-sized android on trial was customized according to the demands of the children’s reading zone, providing services including information consultation, book search and story telling.
Shenyang Children’s Library
There are two android librarians in the library, Xiao Tu and Xiao Shu. They are designed to answer questions raised by readers under 14 years old, who are the major customers of the children’s library. They usually ask about the locations of certain books, restrooms and reading rooms, and about the procedure of getting a reader’s card. The androids help make the consultation more convenient.
sourcehttp://www.libnet.sh.cn/sla/list2.aspx?dbID=19295：
http://www.chinakongzi.org/xwzx/201801/t20180123_172615.htm
http://www.chnlib.com/News/2017-05/244002.html
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1568431908865995&wfr=spider&for=pc
http://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2017-09-26/doc-ifymenmt7040917.shtml
Compared with the human librarians, the androids answer questions with better correctness and provide 24/7 services with higher diversity, thanks to their functions of comprehensively processing natural languages and smart reply. In the future, android librarians will be used at libraries on a wider, smarter basis.