CFP Library 2035

Your Name and Title: Mr Samuel Simango – Senior Manager: Academic Support Services

Library, School, or Organisation Name: Rhodes University

Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A

Area of the World from Which You Will Present: South Africa

Language in Which You Will Present: English

Target Audience(s): This topic is bound to be particularly relevant to systems librarians, electronic resources librarians, data librarians, repository managers, metadata librarians, research services librarians as well as librarians responsible for delivering training relating to multiple literacies – particularly data and information literacies.

Short Session Description

Brain-Computer-Interfaces and Future Access to Library Collections

Full Description

Abstract

Amongst the different technologies that stand a chance of affecting libraries in a meaningful way in the foreseeable future, the Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI) stands out as tool that can provide more direct interaction between the human mind and library collections. The BCI is a technological marvel that does not seem to garner much interest within library circles when discussing present-day or library technologies of the future. BCIs appear to trend the line between science-fiction and what might actually be possible someday in reality. However, recent advancements in the area of BCI research as well as practical deployments of the technology indicate that the time is now ripe for librarians to seriously start considering the practical application of BCI technology within the library profession. This paper seeks to explore the manner in which Brain-Computer-Interfaces could be possibly be used in the future in order to access library collections. The paper explores the nature of BCIs, their application to information retrieval, the type of access that can be provided by BCIs and the types of skills that would be required – by both librarians and library users – in order to fully harness the potential of library access via BCIs.

Keywords:

Brain-Computer-Interfaces, information retrieval, access to information, literacies, transhumanism

Introduction

The convergence of technology and human cognition is a rapidly evolving field with profound implications for various sectors, including libraries. While BCIs have primarily been explored in medical contexts, their potential to revolutionise human-computer interaction is vast. This paper delves into the possibility of integrating BCIs into library services, specifically focusing on their application for accessing library collections. By examining the nature of BCIs, their potential for information retrieval, and the necessary skills for their effective use, this paper aims to shed light on the future of library access in the age of brain-controlled technology.

Brain-Computer-Interfaces

Brain-Computer-Interfaces are computer systems that enable communication between the brain and a computer or an external device (Saha et al: 2021). Such communication occurs via non-muscular channels and enables users to operate external devices that are not controlled by peripheral nerves or muscles via brain activity (Parmar et al: 2015; Mridha et al; 2021). This essentially means that a person can make use of a BCI in order to access technology remotely. Examples of this have been observed through the use of prosthetic limbs as well as access to online tools such as online games as well as internet search engines.

Brain-Computer Interfaces and Library Information Retrieval Systems

Information retrieval is an outcome that is itself dependent upon several activities associated with information behaviour. Within the context of BCIs information retrieval can take the form of an information need being conveyed as a brain signal that is recognised by the brain-computer-interface (Wójcik: 2022). These signals can be either evoked or spontaneous in nature or they may even take on a hybrid form (Ramadan and Vasilakos: 2017). Whilst evoked signals are generated after a subject has received following stimuli, spontaneous signals are generated in the absence of external stimulation (Ramadan and Vasilakos: 2017). The training requirements associated with these two categories differ. Whereas evoked signals call for very little user training, a great deal of time is required in order to train users to rely on spontaneous signals when using brain-computer-interfaces.

BCI technology is not so futuristic. In 2022 Chen et al delivered a paper which demonstrated how a Brain Machine Search Interface had been developed which was capable of enabling users to conduct searches via a search engine and provide feedback in real-time. A year later, in 2023, the BCI technology company Synchron published a study that depicted the manner in which the company’s BCI implant, Stentrode, had been used in order to enable paralysed patients to perform tasks such as hands-free texting, emailing, online banking and shopping, and communicating care needs using their thoughts (Mitchell, Lee, Yoo et al: 2023).

Both of these examples illustrate that brain-computer-interfaces can already be used for some instances of information retrieval. Although the demonstrations are in no way an indication that BCI technology is mature, they do provide some promise for the future. Naturally such developments raise questions regarding the future application of the technology to other scenarios or areas. In particular it raises the question regarding the possibility for BCIs to be used in order to provide access to information retrieval systems within the context of libraries.

Over the years the mode of access to libraries has changed from being primarily physical to remote in nature. However, the specific technology that has been used has been limited to either computers or mobile devices. It is impossible to determine the specific devices that will be used to access Libraries in a decade’s time. However, it stands to reason that if BCI technology continues to develop and mature over the next decade there is a good chance the some of the access to libraries will come from BCI users. In the event that movements such as transhumanism become more widespread the result is that more humans may end up augmenting their bodies with BCI technology. Under such circumstances, it is plausible that BCI technology will not be confined to assisting disabled people regain use of their bodies. Instead, the end result could be a world in which the everyday library user has a BCI implant which is used in order to access library services – in much the same way that computers and mobile phones are used in the present day.

Access to Information

The term ‘access’ is used broadly in order to encompass both technological as well as non-technological aspects (Oltmann, 2009). Stated otherwise access to information is viewed in terms of both physical and intellectual access. Whilst the former is regarded as the process of obtaining documents that embody information, the latter entails acquiring an understanding of the methods used in order to physically access information as well as the ability to comprehend information embodied in physical sources (Svenonius: 2000). The notion of intellectual access implies that users of BCI technology need to possess certain skills before they can truly access information using such tools. In a similar vein if libraries are to provide access services to BCI users in an optimal manner, librarians also need to possess certain skills.

Future Skillset

Present-day literacies may be sufficient for assisting BCI users with information retrieval tasks at the moment. However, if the technology has matured sufficiently by 2035 different types of literacies would have to be adopted in order to fully exploit the capabilities of BCI technology. There are two main categories into which the relevant literacies can be grouped – literacies associated with the conversion of thought to text and literacies associated with concept-based searching. No longer would it be sufficient for librarians to simply focus on information literacy in order to facilitate information retrieval. Below is a list of the literacies that can be expected to support the use of BCIs in accessing library collections:

1. Neuroscience literacy – Librarians would require a fundamental understanding of the biological tool that some users would use in order to access library collections. Literacies such as neuroscience literacy which focuses on understanding the brain and how it functions fall into this category (Jolles and Jolles: 2021).
2. Technological literacy – Focusing specifically on BCIs and information retrieval systems. Knowledge of BCI capabilities and limitations is essential for optimising concept-based searches.
3. Concept formation – The ability to understand and formulate concepts. This would be crucial to the formation of concept-based searching.
4. Information literacy – Understanding of the methods used in order to physically access information as well as the ability to comprehend information embodied in physical sources.

Conclusion

The emergence of BCIs presents a paradigm shift in human-computer interaction, offering the potential to redefine how we access and interact with information. In the context of libraries, BCIs could revolutionise information retrieval by enabling more direct and intuitive interactions between users and library collections. While the technology is still in its early stages, advancements suggest that BCIs could become a viable option for accessing library resources in the future. However, the successful integration of BCIs into library services will require careful consideration of various factors. This includes ensuring that librarians and library users possess the necessary literacies to effectively utilise BCI technology.

References

• Chen, X., Ye, Z., Xie, X., Liu, Y., Gao., X, Su, W., Zhu, S., Sun, Y., Zhang, M. and Ma, S. 2022. Web Search via an Efficient and Effective Brain-Machine Interface. In Proceedings of the Fifteenth ACM International Conference on Web Search and Data Mining (WSDM ’22). Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 1569-1572. DOI: 1145/3488560.3502185
• Jolles J. and Jolles D.D. 2021. On Neuroeducation: Why and How to Improve Neuroscientific Literacy in Educational Professionals. Frontiers in Psychology. Dec 3;12: 752151. DOI: 3389/fpsyg.2021.752151
• Mitchell, P., Lee, S.C.M., Yoo, P.E., et al. 2023. JAMA Neurology. 2023;80(3):270-278. DOI:1001/jamaneurol.2022.4847
• Mridha, M.F., Das, S.C., Kabir, M.M., Lima, A.L., Islam, R. and Watanobe, Y. 2021. Brain-Computer Interface: Advancement and Challenges. Sensors21(17). 5746. DOI: 3390/s21175746
• Oltmann, S.M. 2009. Information access: Toward a more robust conceptualisation. In Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 2009, 46(1). 1-17. DOI: 1002/meet.2009.1450460274
• Prashant, P., Joshi, A. and Gandhi, V. 2015. Brain computer interface: A review. 5th Nirma University International Conference on Engineering (NUiCONE), Ahmedabad, India, pp. 1-6, DOI: 1109/NUICONE.2015.7449615
• Ramadan, R.A. and Vasilakos, A.V. 2017. Brain Computer Interface: Control Signals Review. 223. 26-44. DOI: 1016/j.neucom.2016.10.024
• Saha, S., Mamun, K.A., Ahmed, K., Mostafa, R., Naik, G.R., Darvishi, S., Khandoker, A.H., and Baumert, M. 2021. Progress in Brain Computer Interface: Challenges and Opportunities. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. 15:578875. DOI:10.3389/fnsys.2021.578875
• Svenonius, E. 2000. The intellectual foundation of information organization. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press.
• Wójcik, M. 2022. Brain–computer interface in the context of information retrieval systems in a library. Library Hi Tech, 40(6). 1766-1781. DOI: 1108/LHT-09-2020-0239