From Libraries to Algorithms: Who Decides What We Read?

Today, technology has a big influence on the things we watch, listen to, and read. Apps like YouTube, Goodreads, and Spotify use algorithms to suggest content based on what we already like. While this can be helpful, it can also affect our choices in ways we may not notice.

Algorithms are designed to learn our interests and show us similar content. For example, if I read romance books, an app may continue recommending romance books only. This can make it easier to find books I enjoy, but it can also limit me from discovering new genres or different perspectives. Instead of expanding my reading world, it may keep me in the same bubble.

Libraries are different because librarians often choose books carefully and create displays with many genres, authors, and topics. A librarian might recommend a book I would never search for on my own. This can help readers discover stories from different cultures, ideas, and experiences. Libraries can encourage diversity, while algorithms may focus more on popularity or personal habits.

Another issue with algorithms is bias. If a book becomes popular online, it may be recommended more and more, while smaller authors or less-known books get ignored. This means some voices are over-presented, while others are missing. Readers may think they have many choices, but in reality, the system may only show a small selection.

In my opinion, technology can be useful because it saves time and gives quick suggestions. However, it should not fully decide what we read. I think the best choice is to use both algorithms and libraries. Algorithms can help us find books we may like, and libraries can help us discover books we may need.

In the end, what we read shapes our thoughts and understanding of the world. That is why it is important to ask: are we choosing our books, or are algorithms choosing for us?

When algorithms decide whose voices will be heard. (2019, November 12). Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2019/11/when-algorithms-decide-whose-voice-will-be-heard

Ekpolomo, O. (2026, February 2). The Human Algorithm: Why Librarians Still Matter. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-algorithm-why-librarians-still-matter-onyebuchi-ekpolomo-4u1mf