This document discusses the use of robots in libraries. It describes how over 25 libraries, especially university libraries, have implemented Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems to replace stacks and store their entire collections in a centralized location. It provides examples of robots used in specific libraries, such as Charlie the robotic book trolley at the National Library of Australia, and Vincent and Nancy which are NAO robots that join a makerspace program at Westport Public Library. The document also mentions how makerspaces and 3D printing technologies are becoming more common in public libraries.

1. Robots and Libraries

2. 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.

3. Behind the Scenes

4. 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.

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

6. Advantages and Disadvantages

7. 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.

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

9. Advantages and Disadvantages

10. 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.

11. Advantages and Disadvantages

12. Robots for Education
and community engagement

13. 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 Alderberan
under the NAO name.

14. Advantages and Disadvantages

15. 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.

16. Advantages and Disadvantages

17. Conclusion