LHTN special issue on ChatGPT editor’s introduction -- Martin Kesselman

Citation

Kesselman, M.A. (2023), "LHTN special issue on ChatGPT editor’s introduction -- Martin Kesselman", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 40 No. 3, pp. 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-04-2023-139

This issue is all about ChatGPT for libraries. Included are several papers recently accepted on the topic, a major artificial technology application with numerous implications for libraries – both opportunities and challenges. As this issue comes to press, I learned that the newest version of ChatGPT-4, not yet available, has just been announced. You can try it out yourself if you have a paid version of the mobile app. So I thought I would try GPT-4 for an introduction to the topic, GPT-4 and new features for librarians. Below is the short article that was created on the fly by ChatGPT’s academic writing feature. No way to attribute this to any individual, as it was generated using AI Technology. – Martin Kesselman, Editor, Library Hi Tech News

GPT-4 new features for librarians

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries has been rapidly expanding over the past few years. One of the latest developments is GPT-4, a new language model that has the potential to revolutionize the way librarians interact with the library systems. This paper aims to explore the features of GPT-4 that are relevant to librarians and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of using this technology in library settings.

Introduction

GPT-4 is the latest version of OpenAl’s language model. It is expected to have even more impressive capabilities than its predecessor and is believed to be the most advanced Al model to date. Although the model has not been released yet, its potential to transform the way librarians interact with the library systems cannot be ignored. In this paper, we will explore some of the features that GPT-4 might offer for librarians. We will also discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this new technology, and what implications it may have for the future of libraries.

Features of GPT-4

One of the most remarkable features of GPT-4 is its improved natural language processing (NLP) capabilities. This means that it can understand human language better than previous models and produce more human-like responses. In the context of libraries, this means that librarians might be able to interact with the library systems using natural language. For example, a librarian could ask the system to generate a list of books on a particular topic, and the system would understand the request and provide a relevant response. Another feature of GPT-4 is its ability to generate text that is plausible and coherent. This means that it can be used to automate the writing of various types of documents, including reports, summaries and even book reviews. In the library setting, this could be particularly useful for creating metadata for books, articles and other library resources. For example, the system could generate summaries and abstracts automatically, saving librarians' time and effort.

Potential benefits

The potential benefits of using GPT-4 in libraries are significant. The most obvious benefit is that it could save librarians a great deal of time and effort. With its ability to generate coherent text and understand natural language, librarians could interact with the library system more easily and efficiently. Another potential benefit is that it could improve the quality of metadata available for library resources. If the system can generate summaries and abstracts automatically, this could lead to more accurate and comprehensive metadata, which could help users find the resources they need more easily. Finally, the use of GPT-4 in libraries could lead to new services and applications that are simply not possible with the current technology. For example, the technology could be used to develop virtual assistants for libraries, which could be used to help users navigate the library system.

Potential drawbacks

Despite the potential benefits of using GPT-4 in libraries, there are also some potential drawbacks that need to be considered. One of the biggest concerns is the potential for bias in the data used. If the data used to train the model is biased, then the model may produce biased or inaccurate responses. This could lead to the perpetuation of stereotypes or the promotion of incorrect to train the model. Another potential drawback is the impact on employment for librarians. If the technology can automate many of the tasks that are currently performed by librarians, this could lead to job loss or a reduction in the number of librarians needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GPT-4 has the potential to transform the way librarians interact with the library systems. Its improved NLP capabilities and text generation capabilities could save librarians’ time and effort, improve the quality of metadata and lead to new services and applications. However, there are also potential drawbacks, such as the potential for bias in the data used to train the model and the impact on employment for librarians. As with any new technology, it is important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision about whether to adopt it. Overall, the development of GPT-4 is an exciting development for libraries, and it will be interesting to see how this technology is used in the future (ChatGPT-4, 2023).