Cognitive management and artificial intellect in libraries: Possibilities and highlights

Abstract

The author discusses use of cognitive management in libraries and examines the possibilities of artificial intellect (AI) technologies for library and information processes (LIP). The systemic functional method is used for the analysis. The article is based on the research work in the area of libraries digital transformation and will be of interest to library managers. The author examines the key vectors of cognitive management: а) library collection management and preservation; b) library bibliographic user services; and c) research in libraries. These vectors correspond to the LIP functions as fixed in the professional standard “Specialists in library information work”. The author characterizes in brief the potential problems, risks and regional specifics of AI application in public libraries. Library managers have to be aware of the problems and to make AI systems implementation effective and ethical. AI may revolutionize the libraries and their user services. Meanwhile, the consequences of such implementation have to be analyzed: algorithm accuracy and reliability, possible bias, as well as the impact it may have on the library personnel.