In today’s digitized world, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become popular in various industries to assist, or even replace, human actions and decision-making. Despite its potential benefits, the pervasive use of AI systems has urged discussions on the many different types of risks that they entail, and particularly on the AI-related societal and ethical implications, which include human bias and therefore the risk of perpetuating structural inequalities and particularly harming marginalized communities.

Although scholars and practitioners prescribe public engagement in AI to better identify potential harms, improve the quality of datasets, and better address community needs, there are no clear strategies to engage communities in AI initiatives nor availability of spaces where this engagement may take place. Based on CTG UAlbany’s previous research on the role of public libraries in improving open governments ecosystems and in developing smart communities, we argue that public libraries are trusted learning spaces and community partners that may lead critical and inclusive civic engagement in AI initiatives.

As a result, the applied research project proposal titled “Empowering Communities: Public Libraries, Inclusive Civic Engagement and Artificial Intelligence”, submitted by CTG UAlbany in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), aims to understand the role of public libraries in fostering critical and inclusive civic engagement in AI 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?

The 3-year project will include four case studies and a national survey, as well as the organization of two workshops with public libraries. Project results will include four case studies reports, one comprehensive report, and one Practitioners’ Guide. The project will also deliver two dedicated websites and several digital products, which will help disseminate the results and reach a wide and diverse audience of primarily public libraries in the United States. Assessment of success will include regular meetings with project staff and with ULC, bi-annual meetings with the project’s Advisory Board, composed by leading academic and practitioners in the field of library science as well as experts in AI and civic engagement, and the participation of public libraries and residents in the design and implementation of several of the project’s activities.