Smart talking robot Xiaotu: participatory library service based on artificial intelligence. Issue 2 (15th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yao, Fei; Zhang, Chengyu; Chen, Wu
• Is Part Of: Library hi tech. Volume 33:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 260
• Publication Date: 2015-06-15
• Subjects: Library science -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Libraries -- Automation -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; 025.00285
• DOI: 10.1108/LHT-02-2015-0010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0737-8831

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a participatory library service based on artificial intelligence (AI). </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – AI technologies and various technologies for facilitating the use of the currently existing libraries and the third-party resources are combined in the new mobile and social networking environments to provide an innovative real-time virtual reference service. Special aesthetic design and library marketing measures are adopted to expand the gains of the service. Questionnaire survey, in-depth interview, and statistical analysis are conducted to evaluate the effects of the service. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – A smart talking robot called Xiaotu (female) is developed. This robot is regarded as a promising new online reference service modus operandi. Four factors contribute to the success of the robot, namely, AI, self-learning, vivid logo and language, and modular architecture. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – Xiaotu presents a participatory library service, in which users participate in the resources collection and become content co-creators. Her presence at anytime and anywhere on any kind of terminal maximizes her potential for the delivery of virtual reference services. Xiaotu has the potential to be a general reference robot or a costumed institute robot. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – AI is adopted in libraries to form an innovative online reference service. The participatory library service is practiced through a high-featured interactive communication. The aesthetic design of Xiaotu and the related promotions are new in libraries as well.</p> </sec> </abstract>