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)

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.