The municipal library system introduces a pioneering AI-driven search feature for book enthusiasts. It recommends items based on user-inputted words or sentences, a first-of-its-kind nationwide. Yokohama City Library holds around 4.09 million books, with AI having information on 740,000. Previous searches required exact title, author, or keywords matching, but the AI now suggests relevant books, even for nuanced queries like "a book to cheer me up when I am sad", alongside traditional search results.
The updated system includes a "digital library card", enabling users to borrow books through their smartphones. It also features a "web bookshelf" function, presenting searched and related books as if they were on an actual bookshelf. The Digital Library Card eliminates the need for physical cards, providing a convenient, secure, and faster digital alternative. It allows swift access to library services, including borrowing items, renewing materials, and accessing resources, all stored conveniently in the digital phone's wallet.
Fujitsu Japan Ltd. and Aoyama Gakuin University collaborated to create an AI-powered service, investing around 800 million yen to implement and run multiple systems in municipal libraries. In fiscal year 2022, approximately 11.63 million books were borrowed from these libraries, and the new system's introduction is anticipated to enhance library utilization further. A representative from the education board expressed optimism, stating, "We aim for the AI-driven book search to guide users to discover unexpected, novel books beyond their initial search preferences".
