How AI might transform the book

Abstract

Purpose This column aims to explore how AI is being used to impact books and help them understand how it may develop in the near future. Exploring these possibilities will help information professionals better understand the ways in which this technology is already being developed to impact books, a technology near and dear to many libraries. Design/methodology/approach This column discusses a series of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that are being used to change what books are. They include AI that adds context with the help of experts, AI that leverages the content of the book itself to create an interactive persona, and AI that makes books multi-modal either by adding narration and likely someday visuals inspired by the text. Findings Many of these transformations do not require breakthroughs in AI technology. Rather, they only require the application of existing technologies, layering on new interfaces and frameworks. Originality/value As a book evolves, libraries, who know their patrons’ needs, have expertise and often operate within ethical frameworks, have an opportunity to participate in the process.