Microsoft Boldly Asks ‘Who Needs A Library When You’ve Got AI?’ – Kotaku

Microsoft Replaces Its Employee Library With AI ‘Learning Experiences’

The $3.4 trillion company is ditching one of learning’s most time-honored institutions.

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By Ethan Gach Published January 15, 2026 | Comments (6)

Last year, Microsoft committed over $100 billion of new investment toward AI. Part of that technological arms race has included training LLMs on millions of books, including some written 600 years ago. This year, Microsoft is paying back the favor by ditching its own employee library. The Verge reports that the company is closing it down and slashing news subscriptions in favor of “AI-powered learning experiences.”

The onsite collection of books was allegedly so heavy, it once was blamed for cracking the underground parking lot pillars that supported it. That library, now housed in building 92, will now be closed, according to The Verge. The company’s roughly 220,000 employees have also reportedly lost access to checking out digital copies of business books and accessing news publications like The Information.

Instead of learning about the world through the considered words of other human beings, they will now be engaging with a “more modern, AI-powered learning experience through the Skilling Hub,” according to an FAQ sent to staff. “The Library closed as part of Microsoft’s move toward a more modern, connected learning experience through the Skilling Hub,” it reads. “We know this change affects a space many people valued.”

Contrast that with what Microsoft recently said after it was revealed that UK police had relied on an AI hallucination when making the controversial decision to ban fans from a certain soccer match. “Copilot combines information from multiple web sources into a single response with linked citations,” a spokesperson for the company told media outlets. “It informs users they are interacting with an AI system and encourages them to review the sources.” Remember, it’s not slop, it’s a “bicycle for the mind.” 🙂 

Continue/Read Original Article Here: Microsoft Boldly Asks ‘Who Needs A Library When You’ve Got AI?’

A free Night of Labour Films, 7pm Thursday 28 November 2024 at the Apollo Cinema

What: Five short Labour films
When: 7:00pm to 9:00pm, Thursday 28 November 2024
Where: Apollo Cinema
Location: 141 Ontario Street North, Kitchener Map
RSVP: https://waterloolabour.ca/events/cliff24-waterloo-region-screening/

From the Waterloo Region Labour Council:

Get ready for a cinematic experience that celebrates the spirit of the labour movement! We’re excited to invite you to an evening of inspiring and thought-provoking films from the Canadian Labour International Film Festival!

We’ll be showcasing five captivating short films, including:

• Bargaining Forward
• 1948, The Silicosis Affair
• The Canadian Dream
• Adidas Owns the Reality
• The Fighter

Curious about what to expect? Learn more about the film lineup at Labour Films

Feel free to bring your friends, and let’s make it a memorable evening!

Can’t wait to see you there! 🎥✨

WE ARE A MEMBER OF
Canadian Labour Congress
Ontario Federation of Labour

50 Sportsworld Crossing Road (East Building), Suite #220,
Kitchener, ON N2P 0A4, Canada

#220 #ApolloCinema #WaterlooRegionalLabourCouncil