KWASU To Introduce Artificial Intelligence, Robotics In Library

The librarian at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malate, Dr Abdulsalam Salman has said Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will be introduced in the institution's library to tackle the staff shortage in the department.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, Salman said the development was an approach to digitalising the institution's library.

”We are trying to introduce Artificial Intelligence and Robotics where we can use robots in providing library services.

”Instead of you interfacing with humans, robots will take over, so, the issue of understaffing that we have as a challenge will be taken care of,” he said.

The librarian stated that he was working towards making KWASU the second university in Nigeria to use robots in its library after the University of Lagos.

”In Africa, the University of Pretoria, South Africa, is already practising the use of robots to manage the library services and they are doing well.

”In Nigeria, the University of Lagos has also experimented it and it is a success story; so, I am working hard to ensure no other University beats us to it.

”In trying to put in place a formidable internet service, we are already working with NITDA, NCC and some other ICT organisations.

”We also want to increase the bandwidth in such a way that documents can be downloaded in seconds.

”Also, the issue of power supply has to be sorted out; we have been running on diesel, we put on the generator by 10 a.m and put it off by 5 p.m.

”But if you want to go artificial intelligence, it has to be 24 hours. So, all those basic things must be put in place which we are working seriously on,” Salman stated.

He however noted that the introduction of robots to the university would not increase unemployment but would push the workers to sharpen their capabilities.

”It won’t increase unemployment because the use of machines is Garbage in, Garbage out, human effort is needed before a machine will work.

”It is left for people to learn how to acquire such skills. In fact, more people will be needed to work on the machine, in terms of programming to make it work.

”Then in terms of maintenance and sustainability, one can’t just fold hands, people are still needed.

”So, the only people such ideas will affect are the lazy professionals who are not ready to upgrade their skills.

”We should learn to accept change because the world is moving at a jet speed.

”So, if you fold your hands and continue to be an analogue person, one will be left behind,” the librarian maintained.