WEBINAR

Empowering Communities: How Libraries Are Advancing Civic Engagement Through AI

Public libraries are leading the way in helping communities understand and engage with artificial intelligence (AI). As part of the IMLS funded Empowering Communities: Public Libraries, Inclusive Civic Engagement & AI project, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) and the Center for Technology in Government at the University at Albany (CTG UAlbany) convened this webinar to highlight how libraries are using AI to strengthen learning, participation, and community trust.

Library leaders from Schaumburg Township District Library (IL) and Frisco Public Library (TX), two innovative participants in this national initiative, share how they’re expanding AI education through multilingual programming, civic engagement lectures, and community outreach. The session explores practical strategies for demystifying AI, building staff capacity, and connecting AI literacy with civic participation.

Femi Adelakun

Director of Research and Data, Urban Libraries Council

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Femi comes to ULC with extensive experience in weaving together leading-edge spatial science and policy design for the purpose of helping places and locations serve their residents and users better. Femi has a demonstrated history of developing and managing Location Intelligence systems in the private sector, and in government administration and city management.

Stephanie Driscoll

Learning and Outreach Director, Schaumburg Township District Library

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Stephanie Driscoll is the Learning and Outreach Director at the Schaumburg Township District Library, where she leads community engagement and educational initiatives. She has been a librarian for 15 years, dedicated to fostering lifelong learning and accessibility for all patrons.

Thomas Finley

Adult Services Manager, Frisco Public Library

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Hired as Adult Services Manager in 2013. Thomas is an enthusiastic library promoter and talented public speaker. He has a special interest in technology and innovation. Under his watch the Adult Services team developed the library’s grant funded MakerKit program, the MakerSpace, Travel Backpacks, and the beginnings of a Library of Things collection. The library’s nationally recognized ESL program is also run by Thomas’ team. Thomas speaks Spanish and has lived in Mexico City.

Dr. Mila Gasco-Hernandez

Research Director, Center for Technology in Government 

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Mila Gasco-Hernandez holds a MBA and a Ph. D. in public policy evaluation. She is the Research Director at the Center for Technology in Government as well as an Associate Professor at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, both at the University at Albany – SUNY. Before joining SUNY, Dr. Gasco-Hernandez served as a senior researcher at the Institute of Governance and Public Management (currently known as ESADEgov - Center for Public Governance) and the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Management, both at ESADE Business & Law School in Spain. The main general research question at the center of Dr. Gasco-Hernandez’s research agenda is: why and how does technology-driven innovation happen in the public sector? Most of her research in the last six years has focused on the topics of open government, public sector innovation, smart cities and communities, telework, and artificial intelligence in government. In these areas, she has published six books, more than 45 peer-reviewed articles, 18 peer-reviewed book chapters, and more than 55 peer-reviewed conference papers.