The University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Department of Library Services has no regrets in purchasing Africa’s first librarian robot, Libby, for around R150 000 (excluding VAT).
The client service robot, deployed at UP’s Merensky Library on the Hatfield Campus since May, has played an important role in enhancing services and reviving clients’ interest in the institution’s library services.
This was the word from Isak van der Walt, senior IT consultant and MakerSpace manager for the Department of Library Services at UP, speaking at the ITWeb Artificial Intelligence 2019 event, held yesterday in Johannesburg.
Providing an update on the library’s latest robotic “employee”, Van der Walt explained Libby has been extremely busy in the last three months.
Libby forms part of UP’s wider self-service portfolio which includes the self-service kiosk, chatbot, UP Libguides, self-checkout machines and the mobile app.
Libby has an array of over 60 sensors, cameras and software integrations that enable it to receive and process various commands and requests.
It boasts a tablet integrated on the chest area for manual input. Its ‘brain’ is connected to Watson, IBM’s question-answering computer system, which processes queries directed at Libby.
“Libby was introduced as part of UP’s focus to evolve, in line with the fourth industrial revolution. We were also inspired by the student-led #FeesMustFall protest movement, which resulted in UP being short-staffed during the period.
“Libby’s three key responsibilities include answering clients’ basic queries regarding resource allocation, performing marketing duties about monthly library events and conducting student surveys about the library’s service delivery,” explained Van der Walt.
Libby was purchased from a Chinese technology firm at a price Van der Walt believes is only a fraction of what other service robots cost.
“This price is significantly lower than what other service providers pay for their robots, which can be anything up to R1 million. A well-known bank in SA paid around R700 000 for its humanoid robot, so these can easily go for R1 million.”
TheWatson-powered librarian, which is an extension of the university’s online platforms, has revived service delivery and contributed to an increase in the number of people visiting the university.
“Libby has assisted in taking over the repetitive and mundane task of our information desk, freeing up staff for more specialised and personalised services, and has been helpful in capturing the organisational knowledge base.”
Although there were initial challenges, such as difficulties learning the South African accent and causing distraction with the library staff having to constantly pay Libby some attention, the robot has been fixed and the university is considering adding more Libbies in future.
“While we are still evaluating the current use of Libby, we are investigating the possibility of having a diverse set of robots that will be able to perform a wide variety of functions. With the value-add we have witnessed with Libby, we are definitely discussing having more robots deployed in future.”
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