Why are libraries still full in the age of AI?

In the age of AI, libraries at many universities remain full. Not only for reading or studying for exams, many students come here to concentrate better, maintain motivation, and find a quiet space amidst the distractions of modern life.

One Saturday afternoon, most of the seats in the library of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City (Linh Xuan ward campus) were already full. Many students were still diligently completing their essays. Along the rows of desks, numerous power outlets were plugged in for charging. Some students brought water bottles and headphones and sat for hours as if they were planning to stay there for the entire afternoon.

"FOMO" when seeing others focused on something.

Le Thi Khue Quynh, a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, shared: "I'm easily distracted, so if the surroundings are noisy, I can't concentrate on anything. Seeing others work hard also motivates me to work hard too."

"Having many other students around me makes me feel 'FOMO' (fear of missing out) because everyone is constantly 'rushing' and if I don't do anything, I feel uncomfortable. And the hard work of others creates an 'aura' that makes me want to work as hard as they do," Quynh shared.

Although she used to study at cafes, Khue Quynh still decided to choose the library because of its quiet atmosphere.

"I've tried studying in a cafe before. People don't just study there; they chat with each other. That makes the cafe space chaotic and noisy, which is annoying for someone like me who easily gets distracted. So whenever I want to study, I just go to the library."

For many students, a change of environment also means a change of behavior. Dorms are associated with rest, while libraries become places where they "switch on focus mode."

Hoang Duc Hung Phat, a student at the University of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, said he goes to the library about twice a week, each time for about two hours.

The library of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City was packed with students on a Saturday afternoon.

PHOTO: KHUE QUYNH

"I mainly go to the library to study. My school library has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power outlets, which is very convenient and makes it easier to concentrate. Because my dorm room is where I usually rest and relax, I tend to play on my phone, but at the library, I see everyone studying, so I study too," Phat added.

When everyone around you is studying, concentration seems to become a contagious behavior.

Many students live far from home, alone in rented accommodations, and study primarily online. Libraries have become one of the few public spaces where they can be alone without feeling lonely. Being able to be with others without being disturbed is a very modern need for today's youth.

The trend is to spend more time in the library than before.

No longer just a place to "come and go," libraries are gradually becoming spaces where students can stay for hours on end.

According to Master Dai Sy Hung, Head of the General Administration Department of the Central Library - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, students now tend to spend more time in the library than before, commonly from 2 to 4 hours, and many even stay for more than 5 hours each day. The busiest time for students to visit the library is from 3 PM to 9 PM.

"Besides equipping and updating new books, the library has also improved its wifi system, tables, cushioned chairs, landscaping, quiet areas, group study areas, computer areas, multi-purpose power outlets, air conditioning, fans, and the canteen area...", shared Master Sy Hung.

According to Mr. Hung, these seemingly small things are what keep students staying longer. From primarily serving as a place for reading, the library is now seen by many students as a space for studying, working, and spending hours amidst the distractions of modern life.

Similarly, Ms. Pham Thi Lien, a specialist at the Library Center of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, said that currently, students spend a lot of time in class, so the library is open until 8 PM to serve students' studies and research. Students tend to stay in the library longer than before, with the highest number during lunchtime. Libraries today are not only places for reading; they also serve students for group study, relaxation, and entertainment.

Searching for "learning energy" in the digital age.

According to Dr. Lam Hieu Minh, a specialist at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, many students seek out libraries to find "study energy"—a place where they can be in an atmosphere of knowledge and concentration.

"When you're in an environment where everyone is learning, you're more easily motivated. Sometimes, just changing your surroundings can change your inner state of mind," the doctor said.

According to doctors, the surrounding environment has a significant impact on each person's mental state. What keeps young people at libraries today is no longer just the number of books, but the space and feeling that the place provides.

A quiet, comfortable library with greenery and plenty of space for studying and relaxing can help students maintain focus and feel more positive about their studies. "If a library is spacious and has lots of greenery, it feels more comfortable, and I'm sure I'll stay longer," shared Le Pham Hoang Long, a PhD student in world history at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Dr. Lam Hieu Minh, many people still think in a traditional way that libraries should be a certain way. But designing a friendly space is very important. Just like many hospitals today are designed to be more welcoming to reduce stress, libraries should also become a more pleasant space for young people.

According to Dr. Minh, while artificial intelligence (AI) makes information searching easier, it also leads many people to rely on ready-made answers, neglecting verification and independent thinking. "If young people maintain the habit of reading books and materials seriously, they will have better independent thinking skills and won't be easily swayed by misinformation," the doctor shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-thu-vien-van-kin-cho-giua-thoi-ai-185260528230134944.htm