One of our course materials for this module that stood out to me was Tom Scott’s video about robots performing library tasks in Helsinki. Among their roles is sorting and shelving books. Of this work, he comments, “don’t waste a librarian’s time with tasks that a computer can now do.” But this made me wonder—could the robots potentially be taking away that work from a library tech or paraprofessional who may enjoy the work or wants to work at a library but doesn’t have an MLIS? How much do the robots cost versus the hourly wage of a human, and is that even the best way to determine which jobs should be replaced or automated? These questions seem especially relevant today when so many people are worried (rightly so, in my opinion) about how their job prospects will be affected by the newest AI applications (Wasik, 2026).
In the video, Scott ends with the statement “most libraries don’t have robots, but every library does have librarians—and they’re what’s important.” In the comment section under the video, Scott reiterates this point that people are integral to the functioning of a library—robots not so much.
In this moment, when it can feel like there is a rush to integrate new technology into our institutions to stay current, I think it’s especially important to recenter humans in the conversation. Whose livelihood might be impacted by turning to AI agents to serve our patrons? Will patrons enjoy interacting with new technology at every turn, or will they miss some of the human touches that staff traditionally brings to their experience?
The most touching—and arguably, meaningful—new horizon featured in this module was the trend of libraries employing social workers to uplift and assist members of their community that have the greatest needs (State Library of Iowa Continuing Education, 2023; Wright, 2023). Pam Sandlian Smith’s (TEDx Talks, 2013) account about the unhoused boy who put on a puppet show in her library for 30 patrons also highlights how the smallest interaction can make the biggest difference.
I appreciate that this class encourages us to approach technology from a humanist perspective, and this seems like the approach that most people in our communities are rallying for. In addition to highlighting AI, the 2024 IFLA Trend Report pointed to people seeking connection as a major trend. I believe it is our job going forward to honor and prioritize this need for connection as we make decisions about technology (and spending) in our institutions.
Resources
International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). (2024). IFLA Trend Report 2024: Facing the future of information with confidence. https://repository.ifla.org/items/ae4dfcc0-8def-4318-8c4c-7f0507d15609
Scott, T. (2019, October 14). Why Helsinki’s library robots aren’t important. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPb9o3uDF_Q&t=217s
State Library of Iowa Continuing Education. (2023, February 14). The Outreach Project: A library-social work partnership. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iquPzVICfI&t=2808s
TEDx Talks. (2013, December 16). What to expect from libraries in the 21st century: Pam Sandlian Smith at TEDxMileHigh. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa6ERdxyYdo&t=148s
Wasik, B. (Moderator). (2026, June 14). The A.I. Work Force Is Here. The New York Times Magazine, 26. https://link-gale-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/apps/doc/A892167974/STND?u=csusj&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=9a6536d1
Wright, G. (2023, April 10). Des Moines Public Library adding social worker position. WHO 13 Des Moines. https://who13.com/news/metro-news/heres-what-services-the-des-moines-public-librarys-social-worker-position-will-provide/
@lauraskor I think there’s a place for robots in some libraries, but maybe not all. I understand your point about would a robot be taking a job away from someone else? I would hope that if the robots came on duty, that the other folks that might have been doing what the robots are now doing would be free to pursue pursue more creative things that might benefit the library users. I am all for social workers being on staff at public libraries. Amen to that.
That’s a good point, @michael—I’m sure some libraries would put these robots to good use. I guess I couldn’t help thinking about conversations I’ve seen online where people with MLIS degrees are competing for jobs shelving books just to get a foot in the door at a library. That may not be true everywhere! But I certainly wouldn’t want to see those shelving jobs go to robots, I suppose…
@lauraskor your point is well taken too. Getting a foot in the door is very important in some cases.
@lauraskor I think you touch on a very valid point in your post. What is the tipping point between what robots can do for a library versus humans? I know that there is much concern about AI taking over certain service jobs and that people feel like they have to compete with technology. I do think that there is a healthy middle ground where technology can enhance the experience in the library along with human interaction so that both are equally relevant to the experience. It’s also good to look at to see if it is actually need of the library or just a want because its the newest new thing on the technology market. I, for one, cannot afford one for our library, but I can make the argument that our staff can use technology to make the experience just as exciting and relevant.