Why Helsinki's library robots aren't important

Oodi, the new Helsinki Library, has robots to help reshelve books. They get a lot of press attention. But they're not the important part of the library: here's why.
Thanks to all the team at Oodi: www.oodihelsinki.fi/
Edited by Michelle Martin (@mrsmmartin)
With thanks to librarian-KZbinr Peter Musser for script checking: / @stacksfacts
🟥 MORE FROM TOM: www.tomscott.com/
(you can find contact details and social links there too)
📰 WEEKLY NEWSLETTER with good stuff from the rest of the internet: www.tomscott.com/newsletter/
❓ LATERAL, free weekly podcast: lateralcast.com/ / lateralcast
➕ TOM SCOTT PLUS: / tomscottplus
👥 THE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES: / techdif

[@TomScottGo]

I feel like I should apologise to Romeo and his team for the title, but I think he'd be the first to agree: the library can exist without robots. It can't exist without people.

[@mrmaxicola]

how is this comment posted 2 weeks before

[@user-qx7tm5df8j]

i can never love you again tom :(

[@trickyricky2903]

@@mrmaxicola my question exactly. Tom??

[@nezbitnezbit5397]

2 weeks ago wtf

[@ahuman9940]

@@trickyricky2903 Unlisted?

[@joen0411]

At night when the library is closed, the robots read the books so they can learn enough about us to take over the world

[@zeharix]

Now that's a idea for a pixar film

[@whuzzzup]

Does it close at night? Modern libraries at universities don't close anymore usually.

[@MattGambell]

I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.

[@Willam_J]

Warrior Son - They do have 3D printers at that library. It’s only a matter of time.... 😆

[@lankyfella]

That's why they removed the googly eyes, so they can't read

[@tatesonnenfeld9936]

This is the coolest library ive ever seen. What public library has a fricken laser cutter.

[@SomeFreakingCactus]

My uni’s library does, but we also have a huge college of engineering.

[@R_Forde]

My public library has a whole maker area with 3d printer, laser cutter, and tons of other machines to use. There is some cost to using them but it is a great option.

[@josephdomshy4068]

I know of several.

[@igorino1767]

And a VR setup

[@LiminalQueenMedia]

This is the growing trend to libraries in bigger cities. Utilizing the public space to offer access to these kinds of techs. Its really awesome!

[@Spiderwaffles1]

Tom Scott 2019: "Most people can read a map or follow directions." Me: *laughs in customer service*

[@haymantaylor7583]

Just direct them to the other side of the building. Now it's no longer your problem. Always works for me.

[@chaskaryan7228]

Humorous but we only see the people that need help. Nobody who knows what they need is asking for that help

[@subbyplayz6332]

I am the 1000th like... Gonna ruin the perfect 999

[@gymnasiast90]

Hm, "laughs"? You can't have been in customer service for too long, then. ;-)

[@GhostGlitch.]

@@gymnasiast90 nah, when your in it for long enough it comes full circle.

[@SteelSkin667]

I remember reading about how they discovered that people were way more respectful of the robots once they put the googly eyes on. They should put them on the book carriers as well. Actually, all robots should always have googly eyes.

[@creditsunknown7974]

I support this ideology

[@verchojanskij]

Let's put googly eyes on humans too, so we could be more respectful of each other. 👀

[@valorix3385]

@@verchojanskij *glues on* R E S P E C C

[@aisyayahaya2320]

Including self driving cars?

[@terraaudeux7946]

YES

[@MattiusHawkEye]

"Why Helsinki's Library Robots Aren't Important" *sees the robot on the title card* _they are to me, goddamit_

[@AnakinS86]

@@dorkvania7212 its not really though;

[@neolexiousneolexian6079]

@@dorkvania7212 Title: "Why library robots aren't important." Video: Explains principle of libraries serving human interests, and of robots in libraries doing *less important* tasks to free up the trained humans for more important jobs. It's really about as far from clickbait as you can get, and actually communicated and alludes to the main idea of the video far more than anything more literally direct likely would.

[@dorkvania7212]

@@neolexiousneolexian6079 How could I have made it any more obvious that I was making a joke? Did you look at the context of the reply at all?

[@disappointingperson9162]

@@dorkvania7212 poe's law my dude

[@dorkvania7212]

@@disappointingperson9162 Nah, there was clear context here. Sometimes people just want to 'well actually'

[@emmatorode6704]

It has googly eyes and that’s all it takes to win our hearts

[@reysm1522]

I don't trust anything with googly eyes for directions

[@h-Films]

@@reysm1522 you should

[@janhavel8208]

Doesn't matter it's killer robot, it has googly eyes.

[@justinw4901]

This is what a library should aspire to be; A positive, public center of learning that aims to improve the community as a whole. Not just a place where books are collected and read.

[@Greggah]

The Finns have a strong positive identity and ideal for their country, that is true.

[@RyanKhoo]

Really appreciate you going around the world to tell important stories that no one else would have told, you are making the world a better place by it.

[@theepicricemaker6611]

really adding to the whole "you can find anything on the internet" idea in a wholesome way

[@Erik-ez4rh]

I live in Helsinki and have never visited oodi. Now I am interested about visiting. The finnish news networks weren't able to tell the story as well as Tom.

[@dustysparks]

@@Erik-ez4rh Different audience, different purpose for the "coverage." A bias for advertisers doesn't always translate to something that really grabs attention. A piece for the sake of knowledge and learning something new, from a technology and "old blending with new" perspective, makes for a lot more interesting watch. And it helps that the presenter takes the time to "get it right."

[@Erik-ez4rh]

@@dustysparks So true.

[@deiosp13]

666th like!!!

[@MorganMagnus]

Thank you, Tom. As a librarian, it's nice to see someone outside of our profession actually understands us and what the library stands for.

[@muurb6393]

salty

[@NotAGraveRobber]

Hell yea!

[@yourhandlehere1]

What is the fine for this reply being a year late?

[@skrsojmpz1503]

@@yourhandlehere1 one negative internet point. wait

[@MishaFlower]

You have the most librarian username ever.

[@juhopaasonen]

Oodi is amazing, but here in Finland we also do other delightfully experimental things with our libraries. One of the busier public health centers in Espoo (next door to Helsinki) has its children's clinic waiting room IN the children's section of the local library. Listening in on one of the frequent story times, or picking up a book or a game makes waiting for your appointment a lot more palatable for our toddler. You can just take the books you started with you after your appointment, check them out on the way and continue reading at home. Public service at its finest.

[@LiftandCoa]

Finland having played through Public Service it seems

[@PunCala]

A Finn here: In my opinion, Oodi's most important job is to provide services like 3D/traditional printing, photography, editing etc. to poor people who couldn't afford it otherwise.

[@ShaunDreclin]

God I would be so happy if my local library had a 3D printer

[@flacch]

Well, everyone doesn't need 3d printers even though they have the money. It's just common sense, although capitalism doesn't like it (common sense).

[@classicambo9781]

I don't get how you would use one in a library. If our school model is anything to go by they are really slow. Does the creator have to wait several days for their piece or?

[@tech-hilfeportal6611]

@@classicambo9781 every 3d printer is slow

[@MarkusAldawn]

@@classicambo9781 I imagine it could work on a similar system to requesting books- at my old school library, you could ask if there was a book and if someone had it out, the librarians would notify you via piece of paper when it came in, so you could get it. Maybe there's a tray where they leave them out? They did the same with printed pages that came out that nobody had claimed- into a tray waiting for someone to pick them up.

[@anna-gg9kg]

Jeez, if England has libraries like that I would never be out of there

[@thelastcube.]

but england also have natural history museums.... so idk

[@elliotlemon3396]

You probably do, maybe not exactly this Since this is a very newly Built library. But most major city libraries are huge and have great service. I can’t imagine libraries in England, with it being a quite academically high performance country, Would be much inferiour to this library or libraries here in sweden where most of my experience comes from.

[@elliotlemon3396]

*high performing. Damn you auto-correct! Damn you to hell!

[@Lazy_Aviator]

Elliot Lemon Noah ok calm down

[@Lazy_Aviator]

Woah* Now I see your point

[@rainsparks29]

I have a strange urge to move to Helsinki and spend the rest of my life in that library

[@labin2213]

Exactly!

[@oscarn-]

It is VERY nice.

[@venlajunnikkala2938]

We went there last year with our class and I really wanted to do that too

[@verttinorrkniivila3183]

Move to kokkola instead, about 600km north from Helsinki, but better

[@kes01523]

@@verttinorrkniivila3183 hyi vittu :DDDD

[@yplokalaileekai7106]

as a minecraft player i can agree that librarians are important

[@rgbok5453]

And fletchers

[@vibecheck6764]

I kill all villagers i see, so i never trade with them

[@MeatballMusic]

How else do I duplicate money with a pointy stick?

[@mo-s-]

@@vibecheck6764 Why. Mending is extremely useful.

[@dvrz]

This. I trained my librarians to sell me almost every book at 1 emerald apiece and then sold them to other players at 3 to 15 diamonds per book depending on the enchantment. Now I'm the richest player on the server. No I don't have a life.

[@jaridkeen123]

Are the 3D Printers free to use?

[@tissot233]

All of the stuff there is free of use. 3D printers can be used whenever free. Music studios, cinema and some of the heavier laminating machines need to be reserved in advance.

[@mariogonzalez4928]

You should make more videos

[@marcusborderlands6177]

It's all payed for by the high taxes, so technically free, but payed for directly by the people.

[@Jeeoo]

@@marcusborderlands6177 Tax is a really good thing if used properly. I believe, we do a fairly good job at it here in Finland.

[@poplar6658]

@@marcusborderlands6177 and high salaries

[@benvel3392]

Don't hurt the robots feelings! He's doing his very best and he's important :(

[@djangomarkov7948]

I respect them just a little less than a dog

[@paladinboyd1228]

D'jango Markov, I respect them more.

[@edwardmortimer2150]

Robots dont have feelings

[@edwardmortimer2150]

No computer in the world is the intelligent (edit: jesus why is everyone so bothered about this, yes maybe I should of worded better but this is what I meant, yes computers are intelligent but no computer is sentient and feels emotion so you cant hurt its feelings)

[@fur_gal]

@@edwardmortimer2150 words from someone who does not know the full capacity of AI (I hope im not being offensive or rude to anyone, this comment was not thought to offend anyone)

[@Littaly]

God I love the Finnish accent. (I kept feeling like they were just about to show me the library's hydraulic press..)

[@hmdshokri]

welkaam to hidrolik press libraary and it's cold as faak!

[@aamocryp]

Welcome to the wondrous world of Ralli English

[@GerstoxParty]

As a finn I can't stand it

[@elysian404]

GerstoxParty same :/

[@MarkRose1337]

@@videoexpert27 Doesn't sound yokel-like to me at all. The Finnish accent has a strong, earnest sound to my ears.

[@huongtranthanh5608]

2:55 someone borrowed the Vietnamese translation of a Japanese novel, from a library in the capital of Finland.

[@gyaanvaani7268]

It's called globalisation.

[@techhelpportalextras3007]

@@gyaanvaani7268 globalization is bad

[@jacobdaniels3246]

@@techhelpportalextras3007 no it's not lmao

[@cat-.-]

@@jacobdaniels3246 overall it’s good, but some people lose their job for it, and those people can certainly have their opinions.

[@SoWhat1221]

@@cat-.- It also means everywhere becomes more or less the same, killing global diversity.

[@fatjesus1584]

People often forget just how highly credentialed librarians can be. Often they have at least a master degree in library sciences with concentrations in something like archival work. They also very likely have at least an undergraduate degree in a subject area. This is why they end up being such a nexus point for a university, government agency, city, or what have you.

[@ossi_2429]

I thought Oodi was like the coolest place, but I didn’t know about the robots. Now it’s even cooler.

[@neropatti1504]

Dammit Ossi! You are still around. How is life treating you?

[@ville06102]

Oodi is the best. It's best how easy it is to buy drugs from toilet area

[@aalluppi9626]

Niin

[@osuk]

Ousi

[@samiheikkinen5714]

@@ville06102 Ja siellä saa helposti narkkarin morasta kylkeen🥰🥰

[@Albatross-365]

"Google will bring you back, a hundred thousand answers. A librarian will bring you back the right one" - Neil Gaiman

[@Midoriel]

Well said!

[@putridmoldyman306]

Google will also bring you the right one

[@lmilne2635]

@@putridmoldyman306 Google will bring you the right one, the almost-right one, the oversimplified but mostly-right one, the wrong one, and the dangerously wrong one. And it won't tell you which is which.

[@Arikki1]

"Ook." The Librarian , Discworld - Terry Pratchett

[@Semmelboy]

Because books are always right... ever heard of a little book called Mein Kampf?

[@Rob-pf6yl]

Libraries are one of the few places that you can go to, without the need to spend money. I find it to be an incredibly relaxing aspect of a library

[@josephjohannes3240]

Helsinki's Library Robot: * exists * Tom: "You're not important!" Helsinki's Library Robot: *:(*

[@de132]

0~0

[@MaryCeleste86]

Is that Tom of Finland?

[@janeelinasof]

@@MaryCeleste86 xD

[@toreole5831]

A library with music studios and everything? Is this heaven?

[@Kakkos4]

Finland=Heaven

[@PixelSergey]

Yes. And it's all free.

[@unniFI]

finland does equal heaven

[@DrSardonicus]

Most major cities of the world have libraries similar to these. It’s just that nobody goes anymore to notice... Obviously I’m not talking about the two thousand libraries every state or country has. But specifically the central, inner urban major city ones. The ones that get better funding due to improve optics (tourism, location, global perception, status). Edit* you should visit yours sometime to see what’s new...

[@Tythrak]

Apatheism Even the major libraries in New York and London don't have 75% of this stuff. Most libraries, big and small, are still very much resisting technology. Typically librarians are people who dislike technology and can be somewhat pompous about reading books. They cause the tide of change to slow down a lot

[@kinto4135]

Somewhere in Helsinki, a library robot has an identity crisis right now.

[@giasharie274]

That is, if it has some form of consciousness and it's not just a computer following patterns and algorithms.

[@Tumbbi]

@@giasharie274 woosh

[@joonasfi]

Priority over-ride. Must break target into component materials. Will not stop until oxygen transportation fluid has been drained out and communications and refueling port orb has been detached

[@kevintrang3007]

"What is my purpose?"

[@jphuuskon]

I RE-EXAMINE MY PRIORITIES AND DRAW NEW CONCLUSIONS

[@olmokosunen742]

2:17 Hey that's me! :)

[@brendanmccabe8373]

Olmo Kosunen nice

[@randomalpaca]

I see the similarities

[@Kassieq]

69th like

[@nasusan6963]

Working hard I see

[@windmillwilly]

Olmo! Remember me?

[@charmeleonevolves5553]

"Information should be free to everyone" Schools and colleges: 👁️👄👁️

[@avlehtine]

I've got some news for you. The news is that Finnish schools and universities are free. For EU citizens, anyway.

[@isim2668]

​@@avlehtine I starting to love Finland more and more

And the surprise is? That's the principle of public education.

[@_to_dream_or_not_to_dream]

Meanwhile USA: No, it's called piracy! And it's causing several trillion dollars of absolutely made up damages, but thanks to corrupt court system we can get rich fast, God bless USA!

@@_to_dream_or_not_to_dream Meanwhile in Germany: Libraries host hacker workshops because it's knowledge so why not?

[@utasora]

As a student librarian, thank you for this video. So many people these days do not know what kind of resources libraries hold. Power tools, lamination, 3D printers, DVDs, audio books you can rent through an app, resume and children care workshops, and so much more. ASK YOUR LIBRARIAN. We are always here to help and are eager to make sure you get what you're looking for

[@hicknopunk]

In my rural area they have books, cds, dvds. The library is small. All they do is put books on the shelf or check them out.

[@SendarSlayer]

@@hicknopunk Have you tried talking to them about a research paper and which book or journal would be the most helpful to continue? Or are you assuming that's all they do because its the only interaction you have?

[@joshyoung1440]

@@hicknopunk oh, a librarian told you that's all they do? Because surely nobody is obtuse or absentminded enough to come to _this video specifically_ and claim something about librarians as fact without having ANY source or real reason somebody should believe them, right? Nobody would say something that cosmically ironically ignorant.

[@hicknopunk]

@@joshyoung1440 not my fault the algorithm sent me here. You have a lot of deep seeded issues clearly.

[@TheTetrapod]

@@hicknopunk Deep-seated

[@timeiszzz]

When someone hears the word Library. They think books. But now the word Library means Arts & Literature. Good job Helsinki.

[@bardisaythen4392]

Well, no. Helsinki didn't single-handedly redefine the word library; definitions are what *everybody* agrees words mean. It's just they took something and now that specific library (and other of course), is different

[@ollpu]

A lot of libraries in Finland are like this. There is an oscilloscope at my local library and I used it while trying to fix some electronics. It's great that they have things everybody can't afford to buy for just a single use.

[@viktator4205]

@@ollpu Yep. Most libraries are fairly standard with large collection of books, but they tend to have other things as well in Finland. My local library has a 3D printer as well I think, and something akin to a music studio.

[@timeiszzz]

@@bardisaythen4392 I can only assume that you assumed that I meant that Helsinki single-handedly redefine the word library. Good job Helsinki was my way of saying good job on improving on the accessibility of knowledge to a wider audience. From a quick google. Library definition. a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for people to read, borrow, or refer to.

[@MsZsc]

Game Libraries

[@FirstInstruMentalist]

I'm studying abroad in Helsinki right now. I see this building whenever I go into city center. I'll have to check it out.

[@Hans5958]

Library where everyone can talk Old librarians: wait that's illegal

[@SamCyanide]

This library is like a giant chill spot. Love it!

[@OlliWilkman]

I like it too. I work near the city centre so sometimes go for lunch in the centre and then work in Oodi for the afternoon.

[@stefan6347]

>Engage vibing

[@kiko865]

this video is for Tom to justify his 30 seconds clip on in the river "i filmed the river, now what?" -Tom (probably)

[@wintrwunderland]

Well, this and the permanent nuclear waste disposal site.

[@thelastcube.]

yes

[@SandrineLagace]

When i was younger there was this amazing librarian at my local library that allowed us to do so many fun activities, i miss going there because I’d spend hours there looking at the 3d printer, playing games on the Xbox and wii they had, following books on drawing and going to the makers space was the best part! This video reminded me of how much fun I had growing up in a library!

[@mbryson2899]

When I was eight my parents signed a release allowing me to browse and check out anything I liked regardless of age restrictions. The librarians were an invaluable resource. They gently taught me how the Dewey Decimal System worked but more importantly how to cross reference information, how to find those lovely rabbitholes. I owe them a lot!

[@PhoebeHB]

"Every library does have librarians" depending on your definition, that's not strictly true these days. I work in a public library, but we don't have any staff currently who are trained and qualified as librarians. Our job is still based around shelving books and at most helping customers to use computers so they can find information for themselves, because we just don't have the time, money, or qualifications to help find information for them. For that, most people still have to go to a larger, research library.

[@Charoula1608]

Same goes with the library in my uni. They can tell you where to find the books, but that's about it. You need to know exactly what you want. None of this... guiding you if you don't know what you're looking for.

[@christopherlawley1842]

That's rather sad

[@KaliTakumi]

Huh? Who manages the collections then?

[@rewrose2838]

@@KaliTakumi the regulars at the library probably

[@lyreparadox]

Unfortunately, because of funding cuts and the misconception that "everything's available online" many smaller libraries cannot afford staff to do the fundamental thing that libraries are supposed to do... Which creates a downward spiral of defunding and understaffing. :"( If you love your library, show your support when it comes up in local politics.

[@magic_cfw]

Tom: Why Helsinki's Library Robots Aren't Important Robot Librarian: Good. Now they'll never uncover our plan to take control of this facility.

[@chlochlo742]

if i had a library like that in my hometown i'd never leave. seems like it'd be a good place to hold D&D games too

[@DKC1011]

About once a year I remember that I have a library card, and go to my public library and am hit with this astonishing sense of gratitude that the service is there and freely available, especially in such a remote region of rural Ireland like I'm from. The fact that it is probably a massively underused service but runs anyway just in case anyone needs it brings me a strange joy. I go find a book I like and take a book out, read it and return it on time Then I forget about that entire miraculous process until probably a year later when I remember again 😅 Amazing that, this library in Helsinki looks absolutely amazing though, a real social space!

[@georgplaz]

I get your point (in the title), but saying those robots are not important is like saying the cleaning staff is not important. those robots free up valuable time for the librarians and excite the public about robots, which I think is both important :)

[@rewrose2838]

They're not important because they're completely disposable , just like the cleaning staff. For the library to keep functioning, all it needs are the resources and the librarian. Robots that do what every librarian has been doing for years are just as unimportant as cleaning staff at a library.

[@lyreparadox]

@@rewrose2838 Having worked as a librarian, I can assure you that the cleaning staff are important.

[@whuzzzup]

> those robots free up valuable time for the librarians Which means you don't need as many as before.

[@yanivrubin4166]

I belive the point was the press was making a big deal out of the robots, when in truth they just save time, they dont change anything else.

[@Starlightbooper]

@@rewrose2838 I would imagine the robots help to give the librarians more time to help people searching for book and so on, instead of placing back books on a shelves (keep in mind the library is quite big)

[@CautiousDavid]

What an awesome space, I love that it has games and common areas, makes it feel welcoming and just a cool place to hang out. I can think of numerous other things I'd be open to cutting funding from in the US to allow every city to have this kind of library. Like insane sports stadiums, or you know, the military.

[@motsgar]

Imagine what humans could do if there wouldn't be a need to spend billions on army stuff

[@snarkfinder2621]

The entrance to that library is just stunning.

[@YukonK9]

Kid: Mom I'm going to the Library! Mom: Oh what a good boy reading a lot lately Kid: Hehehehe 1:40

[@ryans1234]

F O R T N I T E

[@PhoenixStudios147]

Glad to see ppl krunking hard in Europe. Didn’t know it was that popular!

[@Glitchinventers]

fortnite!

[@Glitchinventers]

fortnite!

[@Glitchinventers]

what's the point of building forts

[@NatabenOo]

Love the video Tom! :D Might be a bit biased though considering I am a librarian ;P But seriously though - Thanks for clarifying that libraries arent just a book deposit. Its so annoying seeing public discource about libraries when some people treat it as such. Here in Denmark we have a couple of loud folks ranting that libraries should be shut down "because theyre only have books and are outdated" - All while we're stocking up on maker-labs, VR-equipment and generally we are super interested in trying out new tech when the budget allows it. The amount of different things that are free through libraries... I mean come on, how can anybody argue against one of the largest democratic pillars in society. I hope we never see a society without free and equal access to information.

[@beiggo21]

China and north korea exist and the information isn't that accessible there. It's especially bad in north korea where they don't even connect to the same internet as other countries. But i guess you already know these things.

[@elguero9279]

As a robot I'm furious

[@lightonthehill8548]

I read a tweet that said if public libraries didn't exist in the US, and someone suggested opening one and described it, libraries would be denounced as a socislist scheme and wouldn't open.

[@olgerkhan9331]

in the past i wanted to be a librarian...before i find out that they mostly hired bored germanistic students (germany) to be librarians, not me who was educated as well, read more of a thousand books of broad genre and variety. nowadays im thanktfull i was rejected by them due to the fact that its like in denmark but even worse. those few modern librarys flourished (before corona s/hits the fan), all the others get closed forever. =(

[@Schattengewaechs99]

And even if it is just a "library with books": books matter! Everything that happened before the modern internet came up can only be researched and studied with books and other types of physical documents. Of course we can digitalize them and liberate as many of them from their annoying corporeality, but nothing will ever give us the right to stop preserving them.

[@itaybron]

Honestly even without the robots it seems like an amazing library, what with the modernization of the concept with lounges and gaming rooms and theater etc etc, looking at this place makes it feel contemporary and not a relic of a bygone era.

[@Coppersulfate9009]

0:02 why is that kid kicking his scooter

[@eetu54]

Because hes finnish

[@Alinhox]

😂😂

[@kierosavolainen3252]

@@eetu54 paska potkulauta perkele

[@redshift1976]

It was a Kickstarter design.

[@user-de4cq6uk6l]

It hit his ankle so he’s mad at it

[@Mechanical_Insanity]

Its amazing to see how innovative this library is. In The Netherlands a lot of library's don't exist anymore because of government budget cuts. I'm amazed that people even can do 3d printing there. Well done Helsinki

[@nanchoparty]

HELSINKI HAS A PUBLIC ACCESS KITCHEN IN A LIBRARY!? SO JEALOUS

[@Baiko]

Helsinki has a kitchen in a library. It's not public access though. It's not free, and you have to reserve it at least 2 weeks ahead.

[@ShaunDreclin]

@@Baiko I wouldnt say requiring a reservation and a fee makes it not public access.

[@Baiko]

@@ShaunDreclin If you call ahead and pay enough, my kitchen is public access as well.

[@scslre]

"Hello? Yes, hi. I'd like to reserve the kitchen on the Tuesday after next for 6 minutes to make a cup of tea. Thanks"

[@Krantz_]

HELLA JEALOUS BRO THAT'S... ... SOCK BRO!

[@zamuy12479]

i think it shows why they ARE important: frees up librarians time to handle their real jobs, gives that library PR to gain extra funding, gives an IT guy a pet project, and also it's sorta convenient

[@ashly9595]

I was just writing a paper for my History of Mathematics class and asked the math librarian for some help. I now have barrels and barrels of articles and sources I would not have known to found prior. Great experience.

[@erufailon4723]

Tom: makes a video about something Finnish us Finns: so you have chosen views (Edit: The way this comment blew up just proves my point, we're everywhere xD)

[@madhvendrasingh2009]

Laugh in Indian Yes, I know I'm late

[@mariasirona1622]

Määkin olen Suomesta :)

[@Juuseppi]

@@mariasirona1622 ei nyt enää kannata kommentoida

[@braindeaddipshit9801]

Kyl on relatabale

[@areku2017]

Herran Suomi murre on niin hyvä :D

[@lyreparadox]

As a former librarian, I'm so happy you make the distinction between access to books and free access to *knowledge*! That's what a library is all about. (Also, that conveyor belt system for checking in material makes me suuuuuper jelly)

[@foreverplaceholder]

I need to googly eyes back. They're not necessarily useful in any kind of directing people to the right bookshelves but they add adorable character to the robots.

[@thelastcube.]

Tom : "Why Helsinki's Library robots aren't important" Helsinki library robots with googly eyes: exists Me: Tom, remember that video where you told that we can't trust you, yea I think it's about time-

[@Gold_Tail]

3:44 shoutout to the homie that dropped his jacket

[@VideoSage]

Place in Florida called the "Space Coast Fab Lab," I consider it the library of the future. Computer labs, printers, milling/laser machines, and 3d printers. Now that information is so easily accessed, library's are giving people, the ability to experiment with it. The librarian is still quite useful, as this video shows, as a source of knowledge, which the Fab Lab did have a few people to show you around.

[@erppano]

1:36 Ei ole kyllä ensimmäinen video jolla olisin uskonut näkeväni Väyrysen vaalimukin

[@christiant.g.994]

I don't know Finish so I've no idea what you are saying, but since you've got that many likes on a non-English comment i figured it must be exceptionally clever or funny so decided to give it a like myself.

[@samu5167]

Vitsi sä oot tarkka :D

[@blackferrets820]

Karvinen ばか

[@litfurher4206]

Kauan eläköön jumal-keisari Väyrynen!

[@connorbradshaw579]

Something about a presidential mug - erppano

[@davecad]

Torille :)

[@juuu500]

Dave miten menee?

[@supersazz]

Suomi perkele!

[@o5-1-formerlycalvinlucien60]

suomi!

[@fuedaseoyt]

As a librarian I can say THANK YOU Tom! Really good video, spot on. I shared it with the teachers at my uni for them to show to the students.

[@xmlthegreat]

That is such a cool library, integrating knowledge across many media and helping people to create...

[@6yjjk]

I've visited it, and it's a really impressive place.

[@normansmith4166]

Don’t listen to him, you’re important boopie boi

[@CesarMartinez-wi7wc]

"Boopie boi"

[@bananya6020]

@@CesarMartinez-wi7wc yes, *boopie boi*

[@foopo5004]

*B O O P I E B O I*

[@badjuju2721]

DAMN RIGHT HES IMPORTANT

[@eliaspietila_]

It's so fun seeing one of my favourite youtubers in my home city! It's awesome!!!

[@zamalchi]

That isn't just a library; it's an entire community center! I'm awed and full of envy

[@insertstupidserialnumberhe2727]

But… but… but… _GOOGLY EYES_

[@xheralt]

Googly eyes didn't help Boxbot. He's still terrible.

[@hamilpatel4025]

working on my thesis for M.S. forensic toxicology, and librarians/other research staff have been unbelievably helpful, glad to have libraries even if most of my sources are accessible online.

[@whuzzzup]

How exactly do they help you? Not once in my academica I needed them (except to get & return books). I looked up the science papers and books I needed on the internet (ISI Web Of Knowledge for example) and got them then either as an offline copy or as pdf. I'm curious what can be done differently. Thank you.

[@benjaminrich9396]

Having lived in Helsinki, Rikhardinkatu library will always be my favourite. That and the akateeminen bit of Stockmann before they changed it.

[@gamingwithflash7902]

Really well done video, the ending hits hard, we need more access to knowledge and places where all people can collaborate but exponentially more expansive than it is today

[@akibo3516]

I absolutely love the idea of public libraries being a gathering space rather than just somewhere you go to get books. Incorporating stuff like 3D design and printing, music, gaming, etc is a great way to get more people involved in all kinds of learning.

[@TheRealGirlWeeb]

Those little robots are adorable!! Especially the googly eyes one 😍

[@wilting_alocasia]

I lowkey have a love for Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian people speaking english with a heavy accent - its super pleasing to the ears!!

[@Champitoinwonderland]

Watching this I got inspired to use my university's library instead of using the internet. Thank you for the message about library's and librarians importance, Tom!

[@MariomasterNSMBHD]

The makerspace + library combination seems really cool. Wish there were some places like that here in Germany.

[@sarahkate2669]

Dude, there are! Cologne being the prime example. But there are also mobile makerspace concepts to increasingly service smaller local libraries! Please go check out what your local library has to offer; you might be surprised.

[@rotmgmoddy2569]

3D printing, music studio, gaming area, free-to-talk library space, even a kitchen? That's gotta be the best library I've ever heard of

[@thegamingwubba]

1:41 the guy on the left is an absolute legend, playing Krunker

[@masterofpureawesome]

This is amazing never seen or heard of a library like this.

[@MisterAppleEsq]

The thing I love about Tom Scott's Monday videos is that, even when they're nominally about robots, they tell stories about humans, and that's what counts.

[@theidiotzonexo]

Librarians are so important, my university has specific department librarians and then year group librarians so we can find people specifically trained in our fields of research They also give training on things like citation, research skills and other important things for university

[@apriliavidhaestika]

as a LIS student, my heart is happy watching this. specially when you said library is about collaboration and communication!

[@Takato]

I love Finland, and would love to live there. I hope I can at least visit the country for tourism some day. This video just made me love Finland even more.

[@thelastcube.]

And here we have an ancient example of a British person with a linguistic degree stating the unimportance of robots in daily life, who was later pleaded guilty by the eye of Network based on robot rights act 2025

[@randomdude9135]

Hey Chaitanya! Deshbhakt here.

[@Tythrak]

Random Dude Hey Deshbhakt! Tythrak here.

[@Horse-zs4xp]

@@the.abhiram.r Not the the future, just a future.

[@impyrobot]

@@Tythrak Hey Thythrak! impyrobot here.

[@Avaruusrangeri]

*T* *O* *R* *I* *L* *L* *E*

[@icedtea_6108]

Suomi mainittu

[@sleeptyper]

Suihkulähde voi olla viileähkö...

[@64ankka]

Torille, tuon kaljat!

[@takokick]

Tortillat avataan

[@mkaali]

oispa kaljaa

[@gogogooner]

Thanks for the reminder that the librarian is still important! When I was younger I often had great use of talking to the librarians to find what I needed or wanted to find. After many years of studies, that doesn't happen anymore. But of course, I have changed - not the general usefulness and value of devoted librarians!

[@philiphawron]

1:39 look at these pure academics playing krunker and Fortnite

[@danakanam5]

Krunker has the best movement hands down.

[@xWood4000]

I really appreciate how you make so mundane things interesting around the world.

[@ivens6302]

Tom: *Why Helsinki’s library robots aren’t important” Me: Oh, ok then, didn’t even know this was a thing. Here we go again **clicks**

[@Lectrikfro]

A thing can be cool as frick and still not be important. Slap some sad eyes on the robots

[@ivens6302]

And that’s a fact

[@lefthandedscout9923]

The series is called "Things you might not know" for a reason!

[@alediazofficial2562]

I live in Helsinki, I will say this is one of the best libraries i’ve seen and been to. It is awesome we get free access to to top quality tools, computer for graphic design, music studios all the things mentioned here is true. I do my blender renderings in Oodi because their computers are waaaay faster than mine 😅

[@Septimus_ii]

As usual, you've taken an interesting topic and made it even more interesting and informative

[@twodollars4u]

This is the kind of place i dreamt about back when i still had optimism about the future.

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

Don't be so edgy, the future will be fine.

[@NoName-de1fn]

The fact that this place exists proves there ia hope.

[@loadapish]

I feel the same. Ive been wishing for armageddon for a few years now

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

@@loadapish Stop that.

[@chevaliedelareverie]

It just takes people taking care of things, the earth and each other. This is possible because the culture and the people will not destroy it. Sadly here in the US a lot of public spaces are abused and things get stolen. In a place where everyone respects their community, this is totally possible!

[@mintesprig]

That library looks amazing! Especially beyond the robots (don’t get me wrong they’re very cool) but how the building seeks to act as a meeting place and living room catering to so many different interests, pastimes and skills. I largely stopped going to libraries because they weren’t a comfortable space to be in but this place seems like an amazing area to hang out in, alone or with friends.

[@martinkoldbyveje525]

It's lovely to see that the mir 200 is being used to help librarians. I used to work for MIR (who builds the robots) and built smaller parts for it, and it's lovely to see a wonderful use for it.

[@tristanjuliusjahnke218]

I've been to the library and it is truly amazing, If you have 2 hours, it's a real treat.

[@TheRealStoneyGames]

Definitely gonna have to give this a look if i end up in Helsinki. I love the videos by the way Tom, they're absolutely wonderful.

[@AssassinAgent]

TBH, I haven't seen even one news piece of this, and I live in Finland...

[@weebified]

This library has a laser cutter and 3D printers Whilst the library I go to doesn’t even have computers

[@stevenvoutchkov]

Man's living in 1930

[@Ashleyenglish24]

It amazes me every time I go to Finland with my partner how many library's there are ! There's nearly one in every small town and village and they are always busy and always well equipped

[@TheR971]

The moment you realize google is just an advanced librarian making billions.

[@GreenAppelPie]

Roman Riesen it’s the second best thing about the internet, all the information at your fingertips.

[@addityasinghal897]

@@GreenAppelPie What's the best

[@KikomochiMendoza]

@@addityasinghal897 I'll give you a hint. It starts with a P That's right it's Pinterest a social media web and mobile application company. It operates a software system designed to enable saving and discovery of information on the World Wide Web using images and, on a smaller scale, GIFs and videos.

[@bob_._.]

@@addityasinghal897 free pr0n

[@rabidsamfan]

Real librarians are a little more discerning.

[@prod.hxrford3896]

We out here living in 2019 meanwhile Finland is in 4019

[@thunderbolt997]

on winters you get bored and have to do stuff so you dont get depressed

[@zQFifa]

@@thunderbolt997 we're all depressed anyway

[@SamSitar]

yes it is.

[@notedcorpse]

The quarantine has made finland more depressing and more quiet because the kids aren't always outside yelling this is why covid made life in finland more manageable

[@MrWeli]

@@zQFifa "happiest country in the world"

[@bean7468]

These sorts of things get me really excited!! I work in the library field and my job would be a lot harder without the current technologies available.

[@nostalgia5031]

That library sounds incredible! I would love to go there someday.