The Role of Public Libraries in Developing Smart Cities and Communities: Comparing the Perspectives of Local Governments and Public Libraries

Abstract

The role of public libraries in communities across the United States has evolved over time from book repositories to anchor institutions with great potential in contributing to the development of smart cities and communities. However, current literature on smart cities mainly focuses on the definitions of smart city and some frameworks for smart city development, and refers to public libraries in a relatively limited way. In addition, there is no clarity in terms of how local governments and public libraries value the potential benefits, costs, and success factors of public libraries’ participation in building smart cities and communities. Therefore, based on a comparison of survey responses from local governments and public libraries in the United States, this research explores local governments’ and public libraries’ perceptions in relation to the characteristics of smart cities and communities. The research also analyzes the role of public libraries in developing smart cities and communities, as well as the benefits, costs, challenges, and success factors of public libraries’ participation in developing smart cities and communities.