Public Libraries as Anchor Institutions in Smart Communities: Current Practices and Future Development

Abstract

Local governments around the world are exploring different strategies to become smarter: more efficient, sustainable, and highly interconnected. However, many actors outside government need to be involved too. For instance, public libraries have the potential to play a very important role in the development of smart and connected communities, due to their strong legitimacy in the eyes of citizens and the types of services and programs they are already providing, which in many cases go well beyond what could be considered traditional library services. This paper analyzes innovative practices in public libraries and argue that they already show the potential of public libraries to become catalysts for smart and connected communities. Together, these innovations represent an opportunity for governments and communities to engage and a new way to think about public libraries as very important actors in smart community initiatives.

‘It is unbelievable how many come to us’:

“…By providing access and qualified support to all community members, the libraries promote equal access to information and knowledge resources for all individuals in society regardless of their economic and social resources. Libraries are seen as a public space and work to include and enable persons with disabilities and functional difficulties to get access and use public services in the local communities (Bertot, Jaeger, Gorham, Taylor, & Lincoln, 2013;Mersand, Gasco-Hernandez, Udoh, & Gil-Garcia, 2019).…”

Handbook of Research on the Role of Libraries, Archives, and Museums in Achieving Civic Engagement and Social Justice in Smart Cities

“…Their study concluded that the library workforce needs to equip themselves with a diverse set of skills to have a role in smart cities. Mersand et al (2019) also indicated that greater engagement and participation of members of the local community with literacies and learning opportunities results in greater economic development, and increased civic and legal understanding. After reviewing the literature, the authors of this chapter determined that LAM need to understand the literacies required for smart cities and then position their roles.…”

Adopting evidence-based practices in community information engagement for sustainable development in Nigeria: the strategies and innovations

“…Anaehobi, Osuigwe and Nwofor informed that public private partnership initiatives between libraries and other organizations in Anambra state, Nigeria have provided clear career leverages on information services 16 . Some libraries are providing platforms to curate and distribute locally produced art, music, writing and performances as part of the library collection 17 . Smith (2019) 18 stated that their strategic planning research included a purposeful listening tour.…”