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

Zong-Xian Huang, Aryamala Prasad, Mila Gasco Hernandez, J. Ramon Gil-Garcia, Femi Adelakun, Brooks Rainwater
Aug. 2, 2024

Abstract

This report is part of the project “Empowering Communities: Public Libraries, Inclusive Civic Engagement and Artificial Intelligence” and aims at identifying and assessing the role of public libraries in raising awareness about AI and fostering inclusive civic engagement in AI initiatives through a review of publicly available documents and public libraries’ websites. The report offers an overview of the current AI-related programs and services in public libraries across the United States. It delineates the purpose and diversity of AI initiatives undertaken by these libraries, showcasing the breadth of programs offered and their intended objectives. The report shows that public libraries are mainly involved in 1) increasing awareness about AI and 2) developing non-technical and technical competencies through various activities. To increase awareness among community members, public libraries host seminars, exhibitions, and podcasts that discuss the benefits and challenges of AI. These programs focus on demystifying AI for the general public. Additionally, public libraries are building competencies of community members programs such as lectures, courses, and makerspaces. These programs not only teach participants how to use new AI tools, such as ChatGPT, but also help them develop programming skills for machine learning projects. Technical competencies in AI are further emphasized through makerspace programs.