Robots and Libraries

Definition of Robot

• an automatic mechanical device, capable of carrying out a series of actions automatically especially ones programed by a computer.

• Robots can be autonomous or semi-autonomous and range from humanoid to industrial, collectively programmed swarm robots, and even microscopic nano robots.

Behind the Scenes

ASRS

• Over 25 libraries around the world, especially those belonging to Universities have moved to Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems.

• Replacement for traditional stacks. Allowing libraries to keep their whole collection at one location and in perfect condition.

LRSvisitSep20135 & DSCF7306 by Mal Booth both used under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Advantages and Disadvantages

Charlie

• Charlie is the elusive Robotic Book Trolley who calls the National Library of Australia, home.

• If you ever visit the NLA, and take a Behind the Scenes tour, you might catch a glimpse of Charlie.

Charlie by Leonie Burke used under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Advantages and Disadvantages

The Librarian

• The Librarian is a project designed by the 2012 Seniors of Engineering at Calvin College in Michigan, USA.

• Their project was to design and build a proof of concept for a book indexing robot.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Robots for Education and community engagement

Vincent and Nancy

• Vincent and Nancy are the two new robots at Westport Public library. They join an already successful Makerspace.

• Vincent and Nancy are designed and built by the French robotics company Alderberanunder the NAO name.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Makerspaces and 3D printing.

• Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, are community orientated creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn using a variety of tools.

• These spaces are popping up in public libraries, all around Australia.

• 3D printing refers to the process of creating a three dimensional object, in which successive layers of a material, usually plastic, are laid down under computer control.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Conclusion