I just read an article in The New York Times about the library in the Openai office. You know, the company that created Chatgpt. And I mean, it’s really a beautiful library, full of thousands of books, from classics like Homer’s The Iliad to David Deutsch’s The Beginning of Infinity, a favorite of Sam Altman.
Does having a library in the company really increase productivity? Or do people actually read books in the office library? I have so many questions because if people spend time reading books instead of working during office hours, doesn’t it mean it’s counterproductive?
by Delicious_Maize9656
5 Comments
Nope, it’s just for “prestige.”
It’s pretty normal for young tech companies to have assorted recreational stuff in the office. Ping pong table, snacks, video games, library, gym, etc. Probably gets used a bit, but it’s mostly there to create an appealing vibe to young talented professionals.
If you worked at a law firm up to about 2007, you likely made heavy use of the firm library. Legal librarians were even a well-paid and highly-trained subspecialty of librarianship. I didn’t think they had the Iliad, though.
*writing books* : double checking chemistry, physics, biology
*recommending fiction* grabs from shelf Their book they like to loan to a friend
*Playing music* grabs sheet music
*sewing* grabs reference
*reading manga* grabs previous then new book
*story time for the young family* pulls from fairy tale section
The key is lots of reference in a library and knowing where to find the facts.
Depends on what kind of library. Mine has the code books for our industry and documentation from the manufacturers. It makes doing things easier when people start arguing.
If your office does any kind of research to support arguments a technical library is very valuable.