Six Essential Technologies for the Smart Library of the Future

The construction of smart libraries has received much attention in recent years, and frequent library visitors are often amazed by the intelligent applications used in libraries. However, currently, the intelligent applications of smart libraries are limited to providing traditional basic library services, without much substantial innovation. Under the guidance of the national "14th Five-Year Plan," the future direction of libraries will shift from high-efficiency development to high-quality development. In this transformation, six key technologies involved in the intelligent application of libraries are crucial.         RFID Technology         RFID technology has changed the entire workflow, service, and management model of libraries, greatly improving the efficiency of basic library services. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects:       

 First, RFID's contactless reading method can identify multiple books simultaneously, replacing manual labor with machines and significantly improving the efficiency of book management.        Second, the use of RFID self-service borrowing and returning equipment allows readers to handle card issuance, borrowing, and returning procedures themselves, saving library manpower and freeing up resources for more value-added services. Third, the RFID inventory system simplifies daily inventory procedures for librarians.        Fourth, RFID security doors trigger alarms for unauthorized book smuggling or theft, enhancing book security.        5G Communication Technology        The use of 5G communication technology can effectively improve the service efficiency of the main and branch library system and expand the scope of book circulation. 5G's high speed, low latency, and security can balance the relationship between the main and branch libraries, promoting mutual development. Readers in both libraries can access the cloud anytime, anywhere for intelligent searches and share cloud resources and information.        Big Data Technology        With the increasing reading demands and personalized needs of readers, big data technology plays a crucial role in fulfilling these personalized needs. Libraries can utilize big data technology to accurately predict reader needs and establish dynamic knowledge graphs of reader demands, enabling personalized services. Artificial Intelligence Technology        Libraries should not only be centers of knowledge, but also centers of learning, exchange, sharing, and even innovation. Improving the construction of themed spaces in libraries and creating an interactive and immersive environment for readers is a goal of the 14th Five-Year Plan. By integrating resources such as collections, talent, environment, and technology, and combining artificial intelligence technology with spatial reconstruction, readers can receive a better and more comprehensive experience.        Augmented Reality (AR) Technology        While the introduction of self-service equipment in libraries has saved many resources, readers still find it time-consuming and laborious to search for documents due to their specialized nature. This problem is particularly pronounced among the elderly, children, foreigners, and people with disabilities. Augmented Reality (AR) technology, combined with navigation and tracking positioning technology, can create a visualized library geographic information system. Through AR marker tracking and positioning, readers can obtain real-time maps indicating document resources via mobile devices such as smartphones. Intelligent Reading Technology        Intelligent reading devices are advanced reading aids integrating technologies such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Text-to-Speech (TTS), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and artificial intelligence translation. They primarily serve middle-aged and elderly readers with poor visual and auditory abilities, children learning to read, and foreign readers. The ultimate goal of promoting reading for all is to enable everyone to enjoy the pleasure of reading.        The continuous development of new technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, blockchain, 5G communication, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) brings unlimited possibilities for the intelligent upgrading of libraries. How to transform from the traditional service model of libraries to a data-driven, precisely targeted, and "personalized, instant delivery" model is a question that every library must consider.