University at Albany (SUNY Albany Center for Technology in Government)

The State University of New York and the Center for Technology in Government at Albany will research the role of public libraries in fostering critical and inclusive civic engagement in artificial intelligence initiatives, including their design, implementation, governance, and evaluation. Three research questions guide the study: 1) What role may public libraries play in increasing knowledge about AI in the community? 2) How may public libraries foster inclusive civic engagement in AI initiatives? and 3) What are the opportunities, threats, benefits, and challenges of public libraries leading inclusive civic engagement in AI initiatives? Project results will include four case studies, a comprehensive report, and a practitioners’ guide. The project also will deliver two dedicated websites and several digital products. This work will feature a partnership with the Urban Libraries Council.