UP study: AI could help identify at-risk public libraries, target funding
The University of the Philippines has proposed using AI and machine learning to improve the country's public library system. A policy brief suggests overhauling Republic Act No. 7743, a 1994 law that mandated the establishment of libraries and reading centers. Currently, only about 30 percent of registered libraries are operational, facing issues like inadequate resources and limited technology skills. The research identified disparities, with regions like BARMM, Caraga, and Region II having low operational capacity and high risk of closure. The study utilized four machine-learning models, with Gradient Boosting performing best at 0.788 accuracy, to classify libraries and guide funding decisions.
The Philippines is exploring AI to address a critical gap in its public infrastructure: the widespread closure of libraries mandated by a 1994 law. With only 30 percent of registered libraries currently active, the University of the Philippines’ proposal for an AI-enabled monitoring system (NAELMS) could shift government funding from blanket allocations to targeted interventions for at-risk facilities. This approach, using Gradient Boosting models, aims to identify libraries needing support in real time, moving beyond reactive measures. This initiative reflects a broader trend in Southeast Asia where AI is being applied to improve public services and resource allocation. For the Philippines, a successful NAELMS could serve as a model for other sectors struggling with operational inefficiencies and resource disparities across its diverse regions. However, the plan acknowledges significant hurdles, including privacy concerns, inadequate IT infrastructure, costs, and limited AI literacy, particularly in underserved areas like BARMM and Caraga. Addressing these foundational issues will be crucial for the system's effectiveness. The real challenge is not just the technical deployment of AI, but the socio-technical integration. Converting nonperforming libraries into hybrid community learning centers, as proposed, requires substantial investment in digital skills training and internet connectivity, especially outside developed areas like NCR and Region I. The success of this policy will depend on the government's ability to overcome these infrastructure and human capital deficits, ensuring AI tools genuinely enhance public access rather than exacerbating existing digital divides.
