Microsoft’s Library is Going AI—And Leaving a Legacy Behind

The library that once sank a Microsoft building is now vanishing, replaced by an AI future it claims will 'modernize' learning.

Microsoft is transitioning its physical and digital employee library to an 'AI-powered learning experience' via the Skilling Hub, citing cost-cutting and modernization. Subscriptions to services like Strategic News Service (SNS) and The Information have been canceled, with automated emails sent to vendors.

The Redmond library, housed in Building 92, was previously in Building 4, where the weight of physical books allegedly contributed to structural issues.

SNS criticized Microsoft's shift, stating AI's 'probabilistic regurgitation of old information' cannot replace real-time, human-driven reporting:

"AI's probabilistic regurgitation of old information cannot replace real-time, human-driven reporting."

Microsoft acknowledges the change affects employees but does not clarify which digital subscriptions will remain post-transition.