ULC and the University at Albany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG UAlbany) are partnering to examine how libraries can empower communities to better understand Artificial Intelligence and ensure its ethical design and application. This three-year research project, funded through a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, will include surveys and interviews with ULC member libraries, case studies, a comprehensive report and a practitioners’ guide for libraries.

CTG UAlbany’s research will address three questions:

• What role may public libraries play in increasing knowledge about AI in the community?
• How may public libraries foster inclusive civic engagement in AI initiatives?
• What are the opportunities, threats, benefits, and challenges of public libraries leading inclusive civic engagement in AI initiatives?

The research project builds on work done by both partners. The initiative follows CTG UAlbany’s previous research on the role of public libraries in improving open governments ecosystems and in developing smart communities. In October 2023, ULC released a leadership brief about how public libraries can prepare for a swift integration of AI across library services, resources and operations.

After performing a national scan for AI programming hosted by member libraries, ULC and CTG UAlbany have selected the following libraries to contribute and participate in the applied research work:

1. Frisco Public Library (Texas)
2. Palo Alto City Library (California)
3. Queens Public Library (New York)
4. Schaumburg Township District Library (Illinois)

February 2025 — Schaumburg Township District Library Case Study Released

A new case study of Schaumburg Township District Library examines the past and current AI programs offered by the library, outlining their benefits to the community, associated costs, and challenges in implementation. This is the first case study created as part of the project.

September 2024 — Empowering Communities: Public Libraries, Inclusive Civic Engagement and Artificial Intelligence

This is a report from the University at Albany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG UAlbany) and ULC. The best practices report and interactive map offer an overview of the current AI-related programs and services in public libraries across the United States. Twenty-five ULC member libraries are highlighted in this collection of best practices, and their programs demonstrate how libraries have become key hubs for AI learning.

• Read a blog post with examples from ULC members.
• Explore the full report and map.

August 2024 — ULC and Researchers at CTG UAlbany published a report and interactive map around how public libraries are raising awareness about AI and fostering inclusive civic engagement in AI initiatives. Several ULC member libraries are featured in the report.

ULC Members mentioned in this report:

Berkeley Public Library — Boston Public Library — Brooklyn Public Library — Broward County Library — Cambridge Public Library — Contra Costa County Library — District of Columbia Public Library — East Baton Rouge Parish Library — Forsyth County Public Library — Frisco Public Library — Fulton County Library System — Howard County Library System — Los Angeles County Library — New York Public Library — Palo Alto City Library — Queens Library — San Francisco Public Library — San José Public Library — San Mateo County Libraries — Schaumburg Township District Library — Scottsdale Public Library — Seattle Public Library — Skokie Public Library — St. Joseph County Public Library — St. Louis Public Library

June 2024 — CTG UAlbany launches website for the "Empowering Communities: Public Libraries, Inclusive Civic Engagement and Artificial Intelligence" project.

April 2024 — ULC and CTG UAlbany select Frisco Public Library, Palo Alto City Library, Queens Public Library and Schaumburg Township District Library as the participating libraries.

March 2024 — ULC and CTG UAlbany are identifying the four member libraries that will be contributors and participants in the applied research work.

December 2023 — Read a press release announcing the research partnership.