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

The Center for Technology in Government at the University of Albany, in partnership with the American Library Association's Center for the Future of Libraries, will explore the role of public libraries as community anchors in smart city initiatives to understand how public libraries can advance their role as community anchors by contributing to the community's understanding of and participation in smart city initiatives. This three-year project will use a multi-method research approach and include a literature and current practices review; case studies of Ignacio Community Library in Colorado, Saratoga Springs Public Library in New York, Chattanooga Public Library in Tennessee, and Chicago Public Library in Illinois; and a national survey. The project will result in increased and sustained relationships among public libraries, local governments, researchers, and community organizations; an Opportunity Agenda, Roadmap Report, and Smart Libraries Toolbox to guide libraries willing to advance their role as community anchors and catalysts; and demonstrable improvements in library services.