Automation, the 4th industrial revolution and libraries

Previous columns have investigated the potential impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and developments in faster, more ubiquitous internet access. Each of these technologies alone has potential to shape our world. Yet, it is important to consider what their cumulative impact may be, as these and other related technologies can allow for the future automation of tasks currently performed by humans. This column will explore the evidence surrounding the impact of automation for libraries and for patrons.

A common narrative touts that as innovations develop, these developments render human work obsolete in ways that...