Exploring AI in Public Libraries: Programs for Communities

Presented by Arya Mala Prasad and colleagues from the Center for Technology in Government at the University at Albany

Introduction

This presentation delves into the research conducted by the Center for Technology in Government (CTG) at the University at Albany, focusing on the role of public libraries in fostering critical and inclusive civic engagement in artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. The research team includes:

Arya Mala Prasad, Researcher at CTG
Zongshang Zhang, PhD student at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, and Graduate Assistant at CTG
Mila Gasco Hernandez, Research Director at CTG and Associate Professor at Rockefeller College
J. Ramon Gil-Garcia, Director of CTG and Professor at Rockefeller College

Background and Motivation

AI Bias and Public Engagement

Increasing use of AI in various sectors such as financial services, healthcare, welfare programs, and policing.
Evidence of racial and other biases in AI decision-making processes.
Efforts at national and international levels to strengthen regulation and governance of AI systems.
Public engagement is seen as a mechanism to improve transparency and accountability in AI systems.

Challenges in Facilitating Public Engagement

Lack of technical knowledge among the general public to understand AI.
Need for open and accessible spaces for public participation in AI initiatives.

The Role of Public Libraries

Public libraries have a history of promoting digital literacy and ensuring digital inclusion and equity.
They offer safe and collaborative spaces for communities to discuss local issues, including the impacts of AI.
Libraries can empower marginalized communities to understand and engage with AI technologies that affect them.

Research Objectives

The research aims to answer the following 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?

This research is part of a larger project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and conducted in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC). The project began in August 2023 and will continue until Spring 2026.

Focus of the Current Study

The presentation focuses on the initial mapping exercise aimed at identifying and assessing the role of public libraries in increasing AI awareness and fostering inclusive civic engagement.

Specific Research Questions

What are the main types of AI programs and services offered in public libraries?
What is the purpose of AI programs and services, and who are the intended users?
What are the main components of AI programs and services?
Do the AI programs and services include individuals from marginalized communities and address the potential negative effects of AI systems?

Scope Clarification

The research focuses solely on AI programs organized for community members, excluding AI services or programs used internally by libraries for operations (e.g., search catalogs, robots, voice assistants).

Methodology

Data Collection

Data collection included three steps:

Review of Library Associations: Searched publications and resources from the American Library Association (ALA), Urban Libraries Council (ULC), and the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) to identify popular AI programs and success stories.
Systematic Website Review: Examined the websites of ULC member libraries to find AI-related events, programs, and blogs.
Broad Internet Search: Conducted Google searches using keywords identified from library websites (e.g., "ChatGPT courses") to uncover additional programs.

Data collection spanned from November 2023 to February 2024, including programs that were announced or available online during or before this period. The dataset comprised 109 cases, with 97 from the United States and 12 from Canada.

Data Analysis

An inductive approach was used to classify the cases into different categories based on:

Purpose of the AI programs
Targeted participants
Types of partnerships involved
Content and components of the programs

Findings

Main Purposes of AI Programs in Public Libraries

Increasing Awareness of AI: Informational programs aimed at providing a basic understanding of AI, including lectures, courses, and seminars that explain AI terminologies, technologies, benefits, and challenges.
Providing Technical Training on AI: Instructional programs focused on teaching community members how to use AI applications or tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E) and offering coding classes related to AI programming.

Types of AI Programs Offered

1. Increasing Awareness Programs

Lectures and Courses: The most common type, featuring one-way communication from experts to the audience. Examples include:
- AI for Communities Program: Offered by Brooklyn Public Library and San Mateo Public Library in collaboration with Women in AI Ethics, covering AI basics, generative AI, and online safety.
- ABC of AI: An introductory course by San Jose Public Library, explaining AI terminologies and discussing benefits and risks.
Seminars and Conversations: Interactive discussions between participants and experts. Examples include:
- Building the World We Want: A panel discussion on global AI governance hosted by the New York Public Library.
- Conversation with Experts on AI: Organized by William F. Laman Public Library, featuring local university researchers.
Exhibitions: Interactive displays or art installations to engage the community with AI concepts. Examples include:
- The Laughing Room: An interactive art exhibition at Cambridge Public Library in collaboration with Harvard University, demonstrating AI's ability to detect humor through voice inflections.
- Misinfo Day Escape Room: Hosted by St. Joseph County Public Library in partnership with the University of Washington, teaching participants to identify bots, deepfakes, and misinformation.
Podcasts: Audio programs discussing AI topics. Examples include:
- AI Podcast Series: By Knox County Public Library, a four-part series breaking down AI in everyday life (e.g., self-driving cars, robots).
- Tech Talk Weekly: A 20-minute weekly podcast by Broward County Public Library, covering AI as part of broader tech news.

2. Technical Training Programs

Hands-On Workshops: Practical sessions teaching participants to use AI tools or programming skills.
- Application of AI Tools: Workshops on using generative AI tools for professional skills or hobbies.
  - Example: "Using ChatGPT for Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters" by Brooklyn Public Library.
  - Example: Digital art creation using DALL·E at St. Louis Public Library.
- Programming and Coding Workshops: Teaching AI programming skills.
  - Example: "After-School AI Program" at St. Joseph County Public Library, teaching coding and machine learning to teenagers.
  - Example: Hands-on AI and machine learning workshop at San Jose Public Library, culminating in participants developing their own machine learning projects.
Maker Space Programs: Providing access to AI-related devices and kits for experiential learning.
- AI Maker Kits: Offered by Frisco Public Library, allowing patrons to experiment with AI technologies (recipient of a national award).
- Tech Petting Zoo: Hosted by an unspecified library, offering devices like AI gadgets, virtual reality equipment, and 3D printers for hands-on exploration.

Role of Collaboration and Partnerships

Partnerships play a crucial role in organizing AI programs, with over 50% of libraries collaborating with external entities. Types of partners include:

Universities: Collaborations involve inviting experts for talks or co-hosting courses and exhibitions.
- Example: New York University partnering with Queens Public Library to offer a five-week series on AI, focusing on ethical aspects and empowering public advocacy.
Nonprofits: Libraries leverage resources or co-host events with nonprofits.
- Example: Women in AI Ethics collaborating with multiple libraries for the "AI for Communities" course.
- Example: Code.org's "AI for Oceans" game used by libraries to teach kids about machine learning and data's role in AI.
Businesses: Industry experts are invited for lectures and workshops.
- Example: Seattle Public Library's "Tech Talk 101" series featuring startup founders discussing emerging technologies, including AI.
Government Agencies: Limited but notable involvement.
- Example: Boston Public Library partnering with the Mayor's Office to organize an AI course.
- Example: Some government agencies sponsoring AI courses at local public libraries.

Observations and Opportunities

Current State

Public libraries are beginning to offer AI programs to increase awareness and provide technical training.
Most programs are one-off events or short courses rather than structured, long-term initiatives.
Programs often include discussions on the benefits and challenges of AI, focusing on relatable technologies like ChatGPT and voice assistants.
Libraries address the needs of different age groups, offering sessions for teens, adults, and seniors.

Potential for Expansion

Opportunity to develop more structured and long-term AI programs similar to existing digital literacy classes.
Need to tailor programs for marginalized communities to help them understand how AI systems impact them, especially concerning biased decision-making.
Lack of civic engagement opportunities within current programs; potential to include co-creation activities and facilitate broader community discussions on AI.
Example from Spain: The "ExperimentAI" program offered a 15-session course with co-creation opportunities, allowing participants to work with professionals to address real-world problems using AI.

Conclusion

The research indicates that while public libraries are starting to play a role in increasing AI awareness and providing technical training, there is significant room for growth. By expanding programs to include marginalized communities and fostering civic engagement, libraries can become pivotal in shaping an inclusive AI future.

Next Steps

Continue researching the role of public libraries in AI education and civic engagement.
Explore opportunities to collaborate with libraries in developing and implementing more inclusive and participatory AI programs.
Assess the impact of these programs on communities, especially marginalized groups.

Stay Connected

If you're interested in this research, you can follow the Center for Technology in Government (CTG) for updates:

X (formerly Twitter): @ctgalbany
LinkedIn: CTG at University at Albany
Website: ctg.albany.edu

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to San Jose State University and Future of Libraries for organizing the conference on AI and Libraries, and to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for funding the research.