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Enhancing PDF interaction for a more engaging user experience in library:

Introducing ChatPDF

Article in IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology · June 2023
DOI: 10.18231/j.ijlsit.2023.004

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Technology
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Review Article
Enhancing PDF interaction for a more engaging user experience in library:
Introducing ChatPDF
Subhajit Panda 1, *

1 Chandigarh University, Punjab, India

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history: Purpose: The paper introduces ChatPDF as a solution to the limited interaction capabilities of traditional
Received 07-05-2023 PDF readers in library systems. It highlights the benefits of ChatPDF for enhancing user engagement
Accepted 06-06-2023 and satisfaction with digital resources in libraries, and identifies potential areas for implementation and
Available online 23-06-2023 opportunities for further research.
Design/methodology/approach: The paper addresses the issue of limited PDF interaction capabilities of
traditional PDF readers in library systems and their potential to cause frustration and disengagement among
Keywords: users. It proposes ChatPDF, an online software platform that leverages ChatGPT API to offer a more
ChatPDF
intuitive and natural way of engaging with PDF documents. The paper also outlines the various features
ChatGPT API
and advantages of ChatPDF and its potential impact on library systems.
Traditional PDF Readers Findings: The paper concludes that ChatPDF offers a more advanced and user-friendly approach to
User Engagement
interacting with PDF files than traditional PDF readers. It recommends libraries to consider implementing
Interactive PDF
ChatPDF to enhance user engagement and satisfaction with their digital resources. The paper also identifies
Library limitations and opportunities for future research in evaluating the impact of ChatPDF on user experience
and library systems.
Originality: This paper introduces ChatPDF as a solution to the limited PDF interaction capabilities in
library systems, highlighting its unique features and benefits, such as summarization, recommendations,
multi-lingual support, and AI assistance. It also discusses the potential impact of ChatPDF implementation
on library systems, making it an original and valuable contribution to the field of library science.

This is an Open Access (OA) journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon
the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under
the identical terms.
For reprints contact: [email protected]

1. Introduction Unlike web pages or other digital resources, PDFs do not

have the same level of interactivity. Users are often unable to
In the digital age, libraries have shifted from being purely
search within the document, make annotations or highlight
physical spaces to also providing online resources for their
text, or easily navigate to different sections. This can lead
users. 1 One common format for digital resources is the
to frustration and disengagement for library users, who may
Portable Document Format (PDF). PDFs allow for easy
prefer resources with more interactive features. Addressing
distribution of information and can preserve the layout
the problem of PDF interaction in library systems is
and formatting of a document, making them popular for
crucial for improving user engagement and satisfaction. By
academic articles, research reports, and other types of
providing users with more interactive PDFs, libraries can
content. 2 However, one common problem with PDFs in
enhance the user experience and increase the likelihood that
library systems is their limited interaction capabilities.
users will return to the library as a resource.
* Corresponding author. One potential solution to this problem is ChatPDF. 3
E-mail address: [email protected] (S. Panda). ChatPDF is a online software platform that utilizes the

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijlsit.2023.004
2582-1555/© 2023 Innovative Publication, All rights reserved. 20
 Panda / IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology 2023;8(1):20–25 21

power of ChatGPT API to provide users with a more

intuitive and natural way to engage with PDF documents. 4
By integrating ChatPDF with library systems, patrons
can access and interact with PDF documents through
a chat-based interface, allowing for more efficient and
effective communication with the library’s digital resources
like books, research papers, thesis, manuals, essays and
whatever they want. 5,6 With ChatPDF, users can ask
questions, request assistance, and navigate PDF documents
with ease, making it an innovative and valuable addition to
any library system.
Fig. 1: Evaluation from transformer architecture to ChatGPT 7
2. Study objectives
The potential objectives of this study are, 4. Personalized recommendations and services tailored
to individual needs
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of ChatPDF in enhancing 5. Improved accessibility for users with visual or hearing
user engagement and satisfaction with digital resources impairments
in libraries. 6. Data collection and analysis for valuable insights on
2. To identify potential areas for ChatPDF user needs
implementation in library systems and the associated 7. Scalability to handle large volumes of queries
benefits and limitations. simultaneously
3. To explore the unique features and advantages of 8. Enhanced user engagement through dynamic
ChatPDF, including summarization, recommendations, conversations
multi-lingual support, and AI assistance. 9. Integration with other library services for a seamless
4. To assess the impact of ChatPDF implementation experience
on library systems, including the usability and 10. Cost-effective alternative to human customer service
accessibility of digital resources. representatives
5. To propose future research directions for evaluating
the impact of ChatPDF on user experience and library In addition to the direct impact areas mentioned, ChatGPT is
systems. utilized by students, researchers, academicians, and library
6. To contribute to the field of library science by professionals in various applications. Indirectly, ChatGPT is
introducing ChatPDF as an innovative solution to the integrated with other tools, such as SheetGPT, 11 to enhance
limitations of traditional PDF readers and highlighting services for users. ChatPDF is another tool that leverages
its potential benefits for libraries and their users. the ChatGPT API for improved analysis and interaction with
PDF files. To better understand the benefits of ChatPDF, the
3. AI Revolution: ChatGPT in Library Systems paper will further explore the limitations of traditional PDF
interaction methods in the following section.
AI research and development has a rich history, with
technologies like facial recognition and adaptive systems
already in use. ChatGPT builds upon GPT-3, a language 4. Limitations of traditional PDF interaction methods
model introduced in 2020, showcasing the rapid progress Traditional PDF interaction methods have certain
in this field. 7 This highlights the accelerating pace of limitations that can impact the user experience and
advancements in AI, signaling the early stages of an AI hinder engagement.
revolution.
ChatGPT in libraries has diverse applications, improving 1. Limited interactivity: Traditional PDFs are static
research, search, reference services, writing assistance, and documents that offer limited interactivity, which can
information literacy instruction. It expands AI’s impact, make them less engaging and less useful for users who
offering potential in multiple areas. Some of the previous are looking for more dynamic content. For example,
study 8–10 tried to identify some of these areas, such as: users may not be able to interact with or manipulate
the information in a traditional PDF in the same way
1. Instant access to a wealth of information within that they could with a webpage or other digital content.
seconds 2. Inefficient navigation: PDFs can be challenging to
2. 24/7 availability for round-the-clock reference navigate, particularly for longer documents. Users may
assistance have difficulty finding specific information or moving
3. Multilingual support for diverse communities between different sections of the document, which can
22 Panda / IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology 2023;8(1):20–25

lead to frustration and reduced engagement. Furthermore, data is automatically deleted after 7 days,
3. Limited accessibility: Traditional PDFs may not be ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
accessible to all users, particularly those with visual 6. User-friendly interface: Designed with a user-friendly
impairments or other disabilities. PDFs may not be interface, ChatPDF is accessible and intuitive, catering
compatible with screen readers or other assistive to the needs of students, professionals, and curious
technologies, which can make it difficult for some individuals alike.
users to access the information in the document.
4. Compatibility issues: Some users may have difficulty 5.2. Use Cases of ChatPDF: 3,12
accessing or viewing traditional PDFs due to
compatibility issues with their devices or software. 1. For Students: Elevate your learning experience
For example, a user may not be able to view a PDF on with ChatPDF. Effortlessly comprehend textbooks,
their mobile device or may have difficulty opening a handouts, and presentations, eliminating the need for
PDF in a specific web browser. hours spent searching through research papers and
5. Limited analytics: Traditional PDFs do not offer the academic articles. Support your academic growth by
same level of analytics and tracking as other digital studying effectively and responsibly.
content, which can make it challenging for publishers 2. For Work: Streamline document analysis with
and marketers to understand how users are interacting ChatPDF. Quickly retrieve relevant information from
with the document. This can make it more difficult to financial reports, legal contracts, project proposals,
optimize content and improve engagement over time. and training manuals. Rest assured knowing that your
data is securely stored in the cloud and can be deleted
as needed.
5. Introduction of Chat PDF
3. For Curious Minds: Unleash your thirst for
ChatPDF is a cutting-edge platform driven by artificial knowledge with ChatPDF. Explore the depths of
intelligence, enabling users to efficiently retrieve historical documents, poetry, and literature, and gain
information from extensive PDF files, including research valuable insights effortlessly. ChatPDF is equipped
papers, books, legal contracts, essays, and manuals. 12 to understand multiple languages and can respond in
By engaging in natural language conversations, users can your preferred language. Expand your horizons and
interact with PDF files as if they were having a conversation satisfy your curiosity with a tool capable of answering
with a human. The AI-powered tool analyzes PDF files any question from any PDF.
to provide summaries and extract relevant information,
covering a wide range of content types, from textbooks 6. How ChatGPT API Enhance PDF Interaction tool
and research papers to legal documents and contracts. 13 ChatPDF Works?
ChatPDF offers limitless possibilities, such as generating
book summaries or providing brief biographies of main Here are the steps that explain how the ChatGPT API
characters. enhances the PDF interaction tool ChatPDF. 3,4,15

5.1. Features of ChatPDF

ChatPDF offers a range of distinctive features: 12,14

1. Utilizing AI technology: Powered by advanced AI,

ChatPDF ensures the delivery of accurate and reliable
information.
2. Information extraction: Extract valuable information
from various document types, including manuals,
essays, legal contracts, books, and research papers.
3. Semantic indexing: Through semantic indexing,
ChatPDF comprehensively analyzes PDFs, creating a
semantic index for each paragraph. This enables more
precise and relevant responses to user queries.
4. Integration with ChatGPT API: Seamlessly integrated Fig. 2: ChatPDF interface 3
with the ChatGPT API, ChatPDF processes user
questions and provides responses using the power of
natural language processing. 1. Upload PDF to ChatPDF: Users can interact with
5. Secure cloud storage: Rest assured knowing that all their PDFs through ChatPDF by uploading the PDF file
data is stored securely in the cloud environment. using any of the following three available options (see
 Panda / IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology 2023;8(1):20–25 23

Figure 2):
Browse my Computer - Users can upload a PDF from
their personal computer by using this option.
From URL - This option can be used if users have the
designated URL (with. pdf) of the PDF file.
Find a PDF - This option enables users to find a
PDF available online by its title, author, or any other
credential. ChatPDF provides a simple search interface
and displays the results of all available options using
the user’s search prompt.
2. Extract text and metadata: ChatGPT API can analyze
the PDF and extract text and metadata from it.
This allows ChatPDF to understand the content of
the PDF and provide more relevant suggestions and
recommendations to the user.
3. Natural language processing: ChatGPT API uses
natural language processing (NLP) to understand
user queries and provide accurate responses. This Fig. 3: Interaction with ChatPDF 3
means that users can interact with ChatPDF in a
conversational manner, just like they would with a
human librarian. 8. Possible Areas of ChatPDF Implementations in
4. Intelligent recommendations: Based on the content Library Systems
of the PDF and user queries, ChatPDF can provide Here are some potential areas where ChatPDF could be
intelligent recommendations for related content. That implemented within existing library systems:
means, ChatPDF by itself suggest a series of questions
or important queries that users may need to know (see 1. Integration with existing library systems: ChatPDF
Figure 3). Just like FAQs. Additionally, if a user is can be integrated into existing library systems through
reading a book about history, ChatPDF might suggest APIs to provide users a new way of interacting with
other books on similar topics. PDF files through the library’s online portal or mobile
5. Interactive summarization: ChatGPT API can app.
generate interactive summaries of the PDF content 2. Virtual reference services: ChatPDF can be used as
(see Figure 3). This allows users to quickly understand a virtual reference service for library users, providing
the main points of a document without having to read them with a more engaging and interactive way to
the entire thing. access and explore PDF documents.
6. Q&A assistance: ChatGPT API can answer user 3. Integration with library catalogue: ChatPDF can be
questions related to the PDF content. For example, if customized to include library-specific features, such
a user wants to know more about a particular concept as integration with the library’s catalogue system or
mentioned in the PDF, ChatPDF can provide a detailed the ability to save notes or bookmarks within the PDF
explanation. They can ask any type of questions or document.
queries and ChatPDF provide a meaningful answer 4. Accessible resources for diverse audiences:
based on the content available in the PDF file. ChatPDF’s multi-lingual support and AI assistance
features make it a useful tool for making library
Overall, the ChatGPT API enhances the PDF interaction resources more accessible to diverse audiences,
tool ChatPDF by enabling natural language processing, including non-native speakers and those with visual
context-awareness, and easy annotation capabilities for a impairments.
more engaging user experience. 5. Online learning resources: Libraries can use ChatPDF
to provide online learning resources for their patrons.
7. Comparison of ChatPDF to traditional PDF readers For example, a library could use ChatPDF to
create interactive tutorials or guides for using library
ChatPDF is a noteworthy improvement over conventional resources or conducting research.
PDF readers, as it provides users with more versatile, 6. Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs): ChatPDF
dynamic, and natural language interaction with PDF files. can be used to enhance the accessibility and
A comparison table between ChatPDF and traditional PDF interactivity of ETDs. For example, a library could
readers is presented in Table 1, highlighting the major use ChatPDF to provide summaries, recommendations,
differences between them. and AI assistance for ETDs to help users navigate and
24 Panda / IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology 2023;8(1):20–25

Table 1: Comparison between ChatPDF and traditional PDF readers

SN Domain Traditional PDF readers ChatPDF
1 Two way interaction Traditional PDF readers only allow for ChatPDF facilitates bi-directional
one-way interaction with PDF files from the interaction with PDF files, allowing users
user end to engage in live chats to interact with the
PDF content
2 Easy summarization Traditional PDF readers lack the ability to ChatPDF is capable of generating a
generate summaries of the content, leaving summary of the entire PDF file, which
users with the task of reading the entire presents only the crucial information from
document to gain a comprehensive the content in a concise format, and
understanding of the content facilitate easy comprehension of the
document, thereby enhancing the user
experience
3 Valuable Traditional PDF readers do not have the ChatPDF provides some valuable
recommendation ability to provide recommendations for users recommendations or suggestions in points,
to access relevant information available in highlighting the important aspects
the PDF file discussed within the PDF
4 Time saver Traditional PDF readers are limited in their Features such as easy summarization and
ability to assist users in saving time by recommendations assist users in navigating
providing an understanding of the PDF file only the topics of their interest within the
without requiring them to read it in its PDF, thereby saving their valuable time
entirety
5 Multi-lingual support Most traditional PDF interaction tools are Through the use of ChatGPT API,
limited to supporting only the language in ChatPDF is able to offer support for
which the PDF content is written multiple languages, thereby enhancing the
user experience by providing the same
content in various languages
6 AI assistance Traditional PDF readers lack AI assistance ChatGPT API integration with ChatPDF
for the users, leaving them to rely solely on enables the provision of AI assistance to
their own understanding and interpretation of users, enabling them to ask questions
the content related to the PDF content and receive
accurate and relevant responses
7 Cross-platform Traditional PDF readers that may have ChatPDF is compatible with all major web
compatibility platform-specific compatibility issues browsers and operating systems, making it
more versatile and convenient for users to
access

understand the content. exploration. Future research could focus on evaluating

7. Historical and rare collections: ChatPDF can be used user satisfaction and engagement with ChatPDF in
by libraries to create digital collections of historical library systems, identifying additional features and
documents or rare books, where users can interact with enhancements, and assessing the potential impact of
the documents in a more interactive and engaging way. ChatPDF implementation on library systems.

9. Conclusion 10. Source of Funding

The ChatPDF tool provides an innovative and advanced None.
approach to interacting with PDF files compared to
traditional PDF readers. With its user-friendly features such 11. Conflict of Interest
as summarization, recommendations, multi-lingual support,
and AI assistance, ChatPDF offers a flexible and natural None.
language interaction experience that significantly improves
user engagement and satisfaction. Therefore, libraries are References
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