Design Considerations of an Interactive Robotic Agent for Public Libraries

Abstract

The role of public libraries has long been recognized, rendering them a timeless offered form of public service. Users of a public library should have easy access to catalogs and full text of printed and electronic versions of books, magazines, and periodicals, as well as to multimedia databases. Every day, most public libraries are in service for several hours, thus computer-based library service applications provide a valuable service supplement. In this study, a robotic agent which guides users in libraries is proposed. The robotic agent is equipped with sound acquisition and reproduction chains and is capable of understanding some specific commands and guiding the users. The agent is currently able to understand commands and respond in English. Therefore, it may be useful for public libraries visited or remotely used by foreign, English speaking, users. Future work consists of the implementation of language packages for Turkish and the evaluation of field tests that will be held at the library and documentation center of Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.