An investigation of humanoid robots and their implications for Australian public libraries: research report

Abstract

What is the impact of humanoid robots on Australian public libraries? This report presents the key findings of a project that responds to the question. Titled “An investigation of humanoid robots and their implications for Australian libraries”, the purpose of the project was to provide a holistic picture of the role that humanoid robots play in Australian public libraries.<b><br/></b><b><br/></b><b>METHOD </b><br/>The project adopted a qualitative research approach. To capture authentic insights, the researcher sought the views of 10 librarians in public libraries in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. The librarians had experience as they were directly involved in humanoid robots in their libraries. Data collection involved individual in-depth interviews with all 10 librarians. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. The researcher also directly observed five events in five public libraries, in which the audience interacted with humanoid robots. Field notes were taken and used as a supplemental source of data for the research. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse both sources of data.<b><br/></b><b><br/></b><b>KEY FINDINGS</b><br/>Data analysis revealed four themes that described the way humanoid robots impacts Australian public libraries. Humanoid robots are considered as: <b><br/></b><b><br/></b><b>A community builder</b> This role was represented via:•Appealing to people•Entertaining people•Connecting and empowering people<b><br/></b><b><br/></b><b>A teacher</b> This role was represented via:•Educating people•Stimulating desire to learn•Motivating people•Awaking potential<b><br/></b><b><br/></b><b>An assistant</b> This role was represented via:•Performing basic tasks•Lacking flexibility in behaviours•Playing supportive roles<b><br/></b><b>A challenger</b> This role was represented via:•Creating new challenges•Requiring more expertise•Requiring resilience<b><br/></b><b>IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT</b>Public libraries (in collaboration with their parent organisations, i.e. city councils), devise a strategic plan for new and emerging technologies such as humanoid robots. •Public libraries seek to expand their collaboration with other stakeholders such as universities and robotics centres where there are roboticists. •Public libraries and city councils strengthen their relationships with robot vendors in order to take advantage of direct support. •Library management boards and their librarians keep a good line of communication, especially issues related to humanoid robots.•The community and other stakeholders consider humanoid robots in libraries as a work-in-progress. <b><br/></b><b><br/></b><b>CONCLUSION</b> <br/>This research has presented fresh insights about the impact of humanoid robots on Australian public libraries. The research findings were drawn from the lived experiences of librarians who directly plan and deploy humanoid robot programs and from direct observations of interactions between the robots and their audience. The findings could inform the development of such robotic programs in libraries to enhance the experience of library user communities.