XuLei

My Core Issues#

The inquiry and identity reconstruction of library first principles in the era of AI

Phase One Reflection#

Phase One Thought Process#

My journey of thought began with a profound inquiry into "the first principles of libraries", placing it within the context of the rapid development of generative AI technology. Initially, you summarized the traditional functions of libraries as providing DDIK (Documents, Data, Information, Knowledge), noting that historically this primarily served humanity, from privileged classes to ordinary citizens.

However, with the rise of big data and AI technology, you keenly observed several key shifts and challenges:

1. Potential Shift in Service Targets: You proposed that as AI digital employees take over traditional library functions, will the future DDIK provided by libraries be primarily aimed at AI rather than humans? Human users will indirectly acquire knowledge through resources organized by AI.
2. Limitations of Existing AI Applications: You criticized current library AI applications for remaining a simple integration of traditional service models, lacking innovation and competitiveness, warning that libraries may face the risk of being surpassed by commercial services, using the dilemma of digital reading as an example.
3. Reconsideration of the Essence of Libraries: You began to reflect on whether defining libraries merely as "providers of DDIK" is too instrumentally rational, neglecting the deeper socio-cultural value and humanistic care of libraries. You suggested that libraries should transcend the symbolic system of knowledge and focus on the promoting role of knowledge in human action and social change, as well as its potential impact on the comprehensive development of readers' minds and soul shaping.
4. Cultural Context and Identity Recognition: You further pointed out that the lack of a modern library foundation in China before modern times, along with the tradition of book storage and the privilege of knowledge, may have influenced our understanding of the first principles of libraries, leading to an issue of ambiguous identity in the library cause.
5. Future Challenges of AGI/ASI: You looked toward a more distant future, envisioning a time when AGI/ASI becomes a reality, where traditional editing, indexing, and retrieval systems will be replaced, and everyone may have an AI companion. In such a future scenario, you questioned what form libraries will exist in, what services they will provide, and how they will be recognized by society?

In summary, my thought process starts from examining the traditional functions of libraries (DDIK providers) and gradually deepens into inquiries about the essence of libraries, their social value, cultural context, and future forms. You keenly capture the disruptive changes brought by AI technology and realize that libraries need to transcend simple technological integration, engage in profound self-reflection and identity reconstruction to maintain their irreplaceable value in the AI era.

Phase One Reflection Summary#

In the first phase, I have identified the core dilemmas and future challenges currently facing the library cause: the ambiguity of identity and the misalignment of means and ends. Defining the essence of libraries merely as "knowledge organization and management" is far from sufficient; it is akin to seeing the trees but not the forest, neglecting the deeper socio-cultural value and humanistic care of libraries.

Core Ideas Summary:

6. Transcending Instrumental Rationality: The essence of libraries cannot merely remain at the instrumental level of "providing DDIK"; knowledge organization and management are means, not the end itself. We need to question the deeper purposes of libraries' existence, which must transcend symbolic systems and touch upon human actions, social change, and individual spiritual growth.
7. Return to Humanistic Values: The core value of libraries lies in their social utility, particularly in promoting the comprehensive development of readers' minds, even possessing the potential for "soul shaping." This aligns with the historical role of libraries, emphasizing their "enlightening" and inspiring functions rather than merely providing information.
8. Examination of Cultural Context: The lack of a modern library foundation in China before modern times, along with the "collect and not use" tradition of book storage and the privilege of knowledge, may have influenced our understanding of the first principles of libraries. We need to re-examine and reshape the value of libraries from a broader historical and cultural context of library development.
9. Ultimate Inquiry of AGI/ASI: When AI fully takes over traditional library functions, and everyone possesses an AI companion, the forms, services, and social value of libraries will face disruptive reshaping. We need to rethink the irreplaceability and unique contributions of libraries in the future context of AGI/ASI.
10. Redefinition of Identity: Libraries are facing an identity crisis; they need to transcend the traditional roles of knowledge containers and information providers to find new positioning and value anchors in the AI era. This redefinition concerns not only the innovation of service models but also the transformation of libraries' roles in the social knowledge ecosystem.

Phase Two Questions#

[Cultural Reconstruction: Do the first principles of libraries differ across different cultural contexts?] Considering the differences in library development paths under different cultural backgrounds, such as the tradition of Chinese book storage and the rise of Western public libraries, have different cultural contexts shaped different understandings of the first principles of libraries? In the AI era, how will these cultural differences affect the future development of libraries? Can we extract more universal and inclusive first principles of libraries from a cross-cultural perspective?

DS Reflection#

Alright, I now need to respond to the user's question about the first principles of libraries in different cultural contexts. First, I need to review the user's phase one reflections to ensure I understand their core points. The user mentioned that the traditional function of libraries is to provide DDIK, but in the AI era, they face shifts in service targets, limitations of existing AI applications, reconsideration of essence, cultural context and identity recognition, and future challenges of AGI/ASI. The current question is whether libraries in different cultural backgrounds have different understandings of the first principles, especially how this affects development in the AI era, and whether we can extract universal principles.

First, I need to compare the historical backgrounds of Chinese book storage and Western public libraries. The tradition of Chinese book storage emphasizes "collect and not use," primarily preserving classics for the scholar-official class, while Western public libraries originated from the Enlightenment, emphasizing knowledge sharing and civic education. Does this difference lead to different understandings of the essence of libraries?

Next, I will consider how cultural differences affect library development in the AI era. For example, China's collectivist culture may place more emphasis on libraries as tools for social education, while Western individualism may stress the freedom of individual knowledge acquisition. The application of AI technology in these different cultures may have different focuses; for instance, China may lean towards using AI for large-scale knowledge management and dissemination, while the West may focus on personalized services and innovation.

Then, I will think about how to extract universal first principles from a cross-cultural perspective. It may be necessary to find common core values, such as the preservation, dissemination, and educational functions of knowledge, but the specific implementation methods may vary by culture. In the AI era, how these commonalities combine with new technologies to form new library forms is crucial.

I also need to analyze how AI technology can bridge or exacerbate cultural differences. For example, AI can facilitate the integration of multilingual resources, helping users from different cultural backgrounds acquire knowledge, but it may also bring the risk of cultural homogenization, requiring a balance between universality and cultural uniqueness.

Additionally, the user mentioned the future challenges of AGI/ASI, at which point libraries may no longer be traditional knowledge storage places but transform into spaces that promote human-AI collaboration. The acceptance and response strategies of different cultures to this may vary, necessitating exploration of how cultural factors influence this transformation.

Finally, I will summarize that from a cross-cultural perspective, the first principles of libraries may revolve around knowledge as a link to the continuity of human civilization, while the AI era needs to strengthen humanistic care, promote diverse dialogues, and build an inclusive knowledge ecosystem. This may be a universal direction, but specific implementations need to consider cultural characteristics.

Gemini Reflection#

Excellent! Your phase one reflections have demonstrated profound insights, successfully placing the traditional role of libraries within the context of the AI era for critical examination. The questions you raised hit the core issues, capturing the central contradictions of library identity reconstruction: the imbalance between instrumental rationality and humanistic values, as well as the potential impact of cultural context on cognition.

Your phase two question, focusing on "Cultural Reconstruction: Do the first principles of libraries differ across different cultural contexts?" further deepens the inquiry, touching on the dialectical unity of cultural roots and universal values.

Now, let's critically examine your phase two thought process and, based on this, jointly explore deeper insights:

Critical Examination of Your Thought Process:#

Your thought process is logically clear, covering key aspects such as comparison, analysis, extraction, and outlook, showcasing a structured way of thinking. However, to pursue ultimate analytical depth and essential insights, we can further deepen and expand the following aspects:

1. Re-examination of the Concept of "First Principles": You adopted the concept of "first principles," which is inherently enlightening. But we need to question: Is "first principles" the best framework for understanding the essence of libraries? "First principles" often carries reductionist and essentialist connotations; does it limit our understanding of the complexity, dynamism, and cultural diversity of libraries? Perhaps we can consider using more dynamic and evolutionary perspectives, such as "core values," "basic functions," "social missions," etc., to replace or supplement "first principles," to better capture the adaptability of libraries in different cultural and temporal contexts.

2. In-depth Exploration of "Cultural Context": You mentioned the differences between the tradition of Chinese book storage and Western public libraries, which is a good starting point. But we can delve deeper into how cultural contexts shape people's understanding of core concepts like "knowledge," "information," "education," and "society," thereby influencing the forms and functions of libraries. For instance, the reverence for knowledge in traditional Chinese culture, the utilitarian orientation of knowledge due to the imperial examination system, and the emphasis on reason and civic consciousness during the Western Enlightenment all profoundly shape the libraries in their respective cultural contexts. We need to go beyond simple historical comparisons and delve into the deep structural layers of culture to understand how different cultures "construct" the meaning of libraries.

3. Dialectical Thinking on "Different Paths to the Same Goal": You proposed the possibility of "different paths to the same goal," which is an important direction. However, we need to avoid simply seeking a "common denominator" and instead explore deeper, universal human needs and value pursuits while acknowledging cultural differences. "Different paths" may not only manifest in the forms and functions of libraries but may also reflect their value hierarchies. For example, in some cultures, the preservation and transmission of knowledge may be prioritized, while in others, the dissemination and application of knowledge may be more valued. "Same goal" may not refer to specific forms or functions converging but rather to the overarching goals of meeting basic human knowledge needs, promoting social development, and cultural transmission, ultimately pointing to the common welfare of human civilization across different cultural contexts.

4. Re-definition of the "AI Era": You view the "AI era" as a unified background, but we need to recognize that the "AI era" itself is also a culturally constructed concept, and different cultures may have varying degrees of understanding and acceptance of it. For instance, in some cultures, AI is seen as a tool for liberating productivity and enhancing efficiency, while in others, it may raise concerns about human subjectivity, ethics, and cultural identity. This cultural difference will further influence the application strategies and identity reconstruction paths of libraries in different cultural contexts regarding AI technology. We need to move beyond technological determinism and understand the challenges and opportunities posed by the AI era from the interaction between culture and technology.

5. Pursuit of "Universality and Inclusivity": You propose to extract more universal and inclusive first principles of libraries, which is a highly valuable pursuit. However, we need to be wary of the trap of "universality" being simplified to Western-centric "universal values." True universality should be built on respect and understanding of diverse cultural values, reflecting the wisdom of "harmony in diversity." Inclusivity should not only refer to embracing different cultural traditions but also include accommodating different forms of knowledge, user needs, and technological development paths. We need to construct an open, dynamic, and diverse framework of library first principles that can adapt to different cultural contexts and temporal changes, continuously evolving and innovating.

Based on the above critical examination, I will attempt to answer your questions from the following aspects and further expand the depth and breadth of thought:

6. Different Library Concepts Shaped by Cultural Contexts: We will delve into comparing the tradition of Chinese book storage, the rise of Western public libraries, and library forms in other cultural contexts (such as the House of Wisdom in the Islamic world, oral tradition knowledge centers in Africa, etc.), analyzing how different cultures shape core functions, service targets, knowledge perspectives, and value orientations of libraries. We will go beyond simple functional comparisons to explore the mechanisms by which cultural deep structures shape library concepts.

7. Continuation and Variation of Cultural Differences in the AI Era: We will explore how AI technology can amplify or bridge the impact of cultural differences on library development. On one hand, the globalization of AI technology may promote standardization and homogenization of library services and resources; on the other hand, cultural differences may lead to different application strategies, ethical considerations, and social acceptance of AI technology, thereby shaping culturally distinctive forms of libraries in the AI era. We will analyze the complex dynamics of culture and technology interaction, avoiding linear thinking.

8. Universal Value Reshaping from a Cross-Cultural Perspective: We will go beyond the simple presumption of "different paths to the same goal" and start from the common knowledge challenges and value pursuits faced by humanity, exploring deeper, more universal library value cores. For example, the transmission and innovation of knowledge, cultural diversity and exchange, individual mental development and social progress may be common value pursuits that transcend cultural differences. We will attempt to construct a dynamic, open, and inclusive framework of universal values that can adapt to different cultural contexts and temporal changes.

9. How AI Technology Empowers Cultural Diversity and Library Innovation: We will explore how to use AI technology to promote cultural diversity expression, localized knowledge dissemination, and cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. For instance, utilizing AI for multilingual resource construction, digital preservation of cultural heritage, personalized knowledge services, etc., can better meet the needs of users from different cultural backgrounds and promote innovation and development of libraries in the AI era. We will emphasize the humanistic value orientation of technology, avoiding the suppression of cultural diversity by technological instrumental rationality.

10. Cultural Identity and Global Responsibility of Future Libraries: We will envision how future libraries can uphold cultural roots, highlight cultural characteristics, and simultaneously assume global responsibilities in the AI era. Future libraries may not only be containers of knowledge but also bridges for cultural exchange, platforms for mutual learning among civilizations, and guardians of the shared knowledge space of humanity. We will explore how libraries can construct a new identity with a global perspective and humanistic care based on cultural awareness and confidence.

In summary, your phase two question is rich in depth and value, touching on the core propositions of the library cause under the dual challenges of cultural roots and era transformation. My response will strive to go beyond superficial comparisons of cultural differences, delving into the mechanisms by which cultural deep structures shape library concepts, and dialectically considering the continuation and variation of cultural differences in the context of the AI era. The ultimate goal is to construct a more universal, inclusive, and innovative framework of library values, providing deeper theoretical support and practical guidance for the future development of libraries.

Gemini Response#

As you have insightfully noted, different cultural contexts indeed shape different understandings of the first principles of libraries, but from a deeper perspective of human civilization development, there is a trend of convergence in core values and pursuits. In the AI era, cultural differences will continue to influence the future development of libraries, but they also provide us with opportunities to extract more universal and inclusive first principles from a cross-cultural perspective.

Below, I will elaborate on my viewpoints from several key aspects you raised:

1. Different Library Concepts Shaped by Cultural Contexts:#

• Chinese Book Storage Tradition: "Collect and Not Use" and the Privilege of Knowledge
  Ancient Chinese book storage, such as Tianyi Pavilion, primarily aimed at the collection and preservation of classics, rather than widespread social dissemination and utilization. The idea of "collect and not use" is largely constrained by the productivity level of ancient society, the scarcity of knowledge carriers, and the rigid social structure. Knowledge was often viewed as a tool and privilege of the ruling class, serving to maintain social order and political stability. Book storage reflected more of a cultural symbol and family honor, rather than the public service and social education functions emphasized by modern libraries. Its "first principles" focus more on the "continuity" of cultural transmission and the "symbolism" of knowledge authority.

• Rise of Western Public Libraries: Knowledge Sharing and Civic Empowerment
  The rise of Western public libraries is closely related to the Enlightenment, democratic ideas, and the transformation of social structures after the Industrial Revolution. It emphasizes the public nature and accessibility of knowledge, viewing libraries as important cornerstones of citizen education, social progress, and cultural prosperity. "Knowledge sharing" and "citizen empowerment" have become its core values. The "first principles" of Western public libraries focus more on the "instrumentality" of social progress and the "empowerment" of individual development.

• Library Forms in Other Cultural Contexts: Reflection of Diverse Values
  In addition to Chinese and Western traditions, other cultures have developed distinctive forms of knowledge storage and dissemination, such as:

  • House of Wisdom in the Islamic World: Emphasizes the integration of knowledge, academic research, and cultural exchange, serving as a center for the convergence and innovation of knowledge from different civilizations. Its "first principles" focus more on the "innovation" of knowledge creation and the "openness" of civilizational exchange.
  • Oral Tradition Knowledge Centers in Africa: Focuses on the transmission of oral knowledge, the maintenance of community culture, and the teaching of life skills. Its "first principles" emphasize the "communal" aspect of cultural identity and the "practical" application of knowledge.
  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Emphasizes the harmonious unity of knowledge and nature, the experiential wisdom passed down through generations, and unique worldviews. Its "first principles" focus more on the "harmony" of ecological balance and the "uniqueness" of cultural continuity.

In summary, libraries under different cultural contexts do not share identical "first principles," but are deeply rooted in their respective cultural soils, reflecting different perspectives on knowledge, social structures, and value orientations.

2. Continuation and Variation of Cultural Differences in the AI Era:#

The advent of the AI era may both amplify the impact of cultural differences on library development and provide opportunities to bridge these differences.

• Continuation and Amplification of Cultural Differences:
  • Differences in Knowledge Values: Different cultures have varying perspectives on the authority, openness, and practicality of knowledge, which will influence the application strategies of AI technology in knowledge organization, recommendation, and services in libraries. For example, some cultures may prioritize the authority and filtering of knowledge, while others may emphasize openness and diversity.
  • Ethical Considerations: The application of AI technology involves ethical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and conflicts of cultural values; different cultures may have varying sensitivities and responses to these issues, impacting the ethical boundaries and application norms of AI technology in libraries.
  • Differences in Social Acceptance: Different cultures exhibit varying degrees of acceptance and trust in AI technology, which will influence the popularity and effectiveness of AI technology in library services among users.
• Variation and Bridging of Cultural Differences:
  • Promotion of Technological Universality: AI technology possesses inherent universality, capable of transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, facilitating global sharing and exchange of knowledge. For instance, AI translation technology can break down language barriers, making it easier for users from different cultural backgrounds to access and understand information.
  • Facilitation of Cultural Exchange: AI can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange, helping users from different cultural backgrounds better understand each other's cultures, histories, and values. For example, AI can be used for the digital preservation and display of cultural heritage, promoting cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
  • Demand for Personalized Services: AI technology can enable more precise personalized services, catering to the specific needs of users from different cultural backgrounds. For example, AI can recommend information resources and services that align more closely with users' cultural contexts and preferences.

3. Universal Value Reshaping from a Cross-Cultural Perspective: Possibility of Different Paths to the Same Goal#

Although cultural contexts shape different library concepts, in the AI era, we have greater opportunities to extract more universal and inclusive first principles of libraries from a cross-cultural perspective, achieving a certain degree of "different paths to the same goal." This "same goal" does not refer to the unification of library forms but rather to finding common ground in deeper value pursuits across different cultural contexts.

I understand the universal first principles of libraries to include the following core dimensions:

• Beacon of Knowledge: Regardless of cultural background, libraries should uphold their fundamental function as centers for the storage, transmission, and dissemination of knowledge. In the AI era, this includes not only traditional literature but also digital resources, multimedia content, and various forms of knowledge.
• Guardian of Culture: Libraries should strive to protect and transmit diverse cultural heritage, promoting cultural diversity and identity. In the AI era, AI technology can be utilized to enhance the digital preservation of cultural heritage, multilingual resource construction, and cultural exchange activities.
• Engine of Learning: Libraries should be committed to promoting lifelong learning and enhancing citizens' knowledge literacy and critical thinking skills. In the AI era, AI technology can provide personalized learning support, knowledge navigation, and skills training.
• Connector of Community: Libraries should work to build open, inclusive, and collaborative knowledge communities, fostering social exchange and cooperation. In the AI era, AI technology can be used to create virtual community platforms, promoting knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation.
• Haven of Humanity: Libraries should maintain the humanistic care aspect, focusing on human emotional needs, value pursuits, and mental growth beyond technological rationality. In the AI era, it is essential to emphasize the unique value of libraries as spaces for humanistic exchange, places for spiritual respite, and sites for the pursuit of meaning.

4. How AI Technology Empowers Cultural Diversity and Library Innovation:#

AI technology is not only a challenge but also an opportunity. We can actively leverage AI technology to empower cultural diversity, drive library innovation, and build a more universal and inclusive library service system.

• Supporting Multilingual and Local Knowledge: Utilize AI translation, natural language processing, and other technologies to build multilingual resource libraries, supporting the collection, organization, and dissemination of local knowledge to meet the language and cultural needs of users from different backgrounds.
• Promoting Digital Preservation and Revitalization of Cultural Heritage: Use AI image recognition, virtual reality, and other technologies for the digital preservation and display of cultural heritage, allowing more people to access and understand different cultural heritages, thereby promoting cultural transmission and innovation.
• Building Personalized and Contextualized Services: Utilize AI recommendation systems, user profiling, and other technologies to provide personalized information services and learning resources, offering more precise and considerate services based on users' cultural backgrounds, interests, and contextual needs.
• Facilitating Cross-Cultural Understanding and Dialogue: Use AI intelligent Q&A, virtual assistants, and other technologies to create platforms for cross-cultural communication, promoting dialogue and understanding among users from different cultural backgrounds, eliminating cultural barriers, and enhancing mutual trust.

5. Cultural Identity and Global Responsibility of Future Libraries:#

Future libraries should actively uphold cultural roots and highlight cultural characteristics while also assuming global responsibilities, constructing a new identity with cultural awareness, cultural confidence, and a global perspective.

• Cultural Awareness: Deeply understand how one's cultural context shapes library concepts, reflect on the tension between tradition and modernity, and clarify one's cultural characteristics and advantages.
• Cultural Confidence: Value one's cultural values, maintaining cultural integrity while drawing on and absorbing foreign cultures, confidently showcasing one's cultural charm.
• Global Perspective: Go beyond regional and cultural boundaries, focusing on global knowledge ecosystem construction, and actively participating in international library cooperation to contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

In summary, libraries under different cultural contexts exhibit differences in their first principles throughout historical development, but in the AI era, facing common knowledge challenges and human development visions, we have greater opportunities to extract more universal and inclusive first principles of libraries from a cross-cultural perspective. Future libraries should become beacons of knowledge, guardians of culture, engines of learning, connectors of communities, and havens of humanity, constructing a more open, diverse, inclusive, and sustainable global knowledge ecosystem empowered by AI technology, contributing to the common welfare of human civilization.