In this article we're going to explore the role that libraries can play in smart cities. Before we dive in, though, let's start by determining just what a smart city is.
IBM provides a succinct definition, defining a smart city as "an urban area where technology and data collection help improve quality of life as well as the sustainability and efficiency of city operations".
As for where all that data comes from, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) tells us that a smart city collects data from citizens' interactions with public infrastructure and analyzes it in order to improve service delivery and user experience. "This data is collected through connected sensors and individual devices which are part of centralized networks that manage service delivery," according to a 2021 CSIS report.
For citizens, the benefits of living in smart cities are many, per research by the European Commission:
A smart city goes beyond the use of digital technologies for better resource use and less emissions. It means smarter urban transport networks, upgraded water supply and waste disposal facilities and more efficient ways to light and heat buildings. It also means a more interactive and responsive city administration, safer public spaces and meeting the needs of an ageing population.
See also:
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Enhancing patron and staff experience: The Internet of Things in libraries
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Four library technology trends shaping the future of public libraries
Smart cities call for smart library services
Public libraries, as dynamic community hubs, hold significant potential to contribute to the success of smart cities by fostering inclusivity, innovation and accessibility. By leveraging advanced technologies and reimagining traditional services, libraries can seamlessly integrate into the digital and interconnected infrastructure of smart cities.
There are a number of ways that public libraries can support the goals of smart cities, enhance citizen engagement and promote equitable access to knowledge and resources.
Here are a few defining characteristics of a smart city, and how libraries can reflect them:
1. Technology integration
One of the hallmarks of smart city development is the implementation of advanced communication networks like 5G for seamless connectivity.
One of the vital roles that libraries play is in bridging the “digital divide”, which refers to the gap between those who have access to technology (including broadband internet) and those who do not. By offering a range of digital devices and services, libraries can help visitors access tech tools, improve their digital literacy and computer skills, get on the web and learn to navigate the internet safely.
Lack of internet access can make it difficult for individuals to apply for jobs, complete schoolwork, access government services and stay connected with family and friends.
Public libraries are helping to address this digital divide by providing free internet access, as well as Wi-Fi hotspots that members can borrow and use at home. This is particularly important for individuals who may not have reliable internet access at home, or who need the ability to work or study remotely.
In addition to internet access, libraries also offer a range of other digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks and digital news platforms including PressReader. These resources can be particularly beneficial for individuals have difficulty getting to a library due to transportation challenges.
The Internet of Things
Smart city solutions integrate the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
According to IBM, the IoT "refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to collect and share data".
In a recent blog post, we looked at how libraries can use the IoT in a variety of innovative ways to enhance operations, services and user experience, including:
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smart inventory management
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energy and environment management
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enhanced security
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accessible and adaptive services
2. Data-driven decision-making
Smart city initiatives leverage real-time data and analytics to optimize city functions such as traffic management, energy distribution and waste collection.
For libraries, this is where the Internet of Things comes into play, applicable in the following ways:
User activity analytics
Libraries can gather and store data generated by IoT sensors to anonymously track user behavior, such as which areas are frequently visited or which resources are most used, helping optimize layout and services.
Resource utilization
Libraries can better understand resource use (computers, printers, media rooms) through IoT, using the data collected from these to improve scheduling and management of popular resources.
3. Environmental sustainability and renewable energy
Smart city development integrates renewable energy technologies including solar panels and wind turbines; efficient waste management systems such as smart bins that signal when they're full; and smart water management to prevent leaks and conserve resources.
Short of constructing brand-new facilities (which isn't always feasible or desirable), implementing biophilic design principles in existing library buildings can support sustainability goals by enhancing energy efficiency, promoting environmental stewardship and improving the well-being of both patrons and staff.
Here are a few suggestions; the fact that several of them are decidedly low-tech reflects the fact that smart city planning need not always involve digital communication technologies:
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Energy-efficient natural lighting: Retrofit windows and skylights with energy-efficient glazing to maximize natural light while minimizing heat loss or gain. Install light shelves to direct daylight deeper into the library space. Integrate daylight-responsive sensors to adjust artificial lighting based on the availability of natural light, reducing energy consumption.
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Use of recycled and sustainable resources: When renovating, use recycled or sustainably sourced supplies, such as reclaimed wood, recycled metal or bamboo. Opt for nontoxic paints and finishes. Choose furniture made from natural or recycled materials that are durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Conserving water through natural elements: Install systems to collect and use rainwater for irrigating indoor plants or outdoor green spaces. Select native or drought-resistant plants that require less water, aligning with water conservation goals.
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Energy-efficient climate control: Install green walls or vertical gardens that can act as natural insulators, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling demands. Incorporate operable windows or ventilation systems that allow fresh air to circulate, reducing the need for mechanical HVAC systems.
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Sustainable landscaping: Use native plant species in any outdoor landscaping to support local ecosystems and reduce the need for irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides. Replace impermeable surfaces with permeable material to reduce stormwater runoff and support groundwater recharge.
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Waste reduction through design: Implement composting systems for plant waste and encourage the community to participate, creating a closed-loop system. Reduce waste by using upcycled or repurposed supplies for design features, such as furniture or decorative elements.
4. Efficient transportation systems
Smart cities use well-planned traffic management systems to reduce congestion, enhancing public transit through real-time tracking of buses and trains while encouraging the use of electric vehicles through charging infrastructure.
Libraries can contribute by providing ample bicycle storage, showers and changing facilities to encourage sustainable transportation among staff and visitors.
Locating new branches near public transit options and including infrastructure like bus shelters or transit information screens support eco-friendly commuting.
As part of its Smart Mobility Project, the city of Columbus, Ohio, plans to use a library as a smart mobility hub. Citing the city's program manager, Mandy Bishop, Smart Cities Dive reports that:
The hub will include a smart kiosk, car-share spaces, dockless e-bikes and e-scooters, and pick-up and drop-off locations for yellow cabs, Bishop said. It will bring those different mobility options together in one space to help the city learn how people move from place to place.
5. Citizen engagement
Smart cities encourage citizen participation by providing platforms for participatory governance, allowing residents to report issues or give feedback. Mobile apps for city services are a good example, as are digital tools to improve community engagement, like e-governance portals.
In its 2024 State of America's Libraries report, the American Library Association (ALA) highlighted a few community projects across the United States, including a partnership between Cleveland Public Library and Cleveland Housing Court.
The ALA report notes that "the economic impact of the past few years has disproportionately affected renters across the country" in the form of rising rents and eviction rates.
Providing vital neighborhood resources
According to American Libraries magazine:
To help respond to evictions and other housing issues, Cleveland Housing Court installed videoconferencing kiosks—first in the courthouse, when in-person hearings couldn’t be held safely, then later at Cleveland Public Library, to make it more accessible for the public to attend hearings.
These kiosks are available by registration or on a walk-in basis for individuals who need to appear before the housing court. According to the ALA, kiosk locations were selected based on eviction rate data, and their availability at CPL branches has removed barriers for residents, many of whom are unable to travel to the courthouse downtown.
6. Safety and security
Smart-city initiatives often integrate surveillance systems with AI-powered monitoring to detect anomalies, along with cybersecurity measures to protect citywide digital infrastructure and emergency response systems that use real-time alerts and coordination.
We recently took a more in-depth look at ways to enhance safety and security in public libraries, but here are a couple of additional security measures that harness the power of the Internet of Things:
Asset security
IoT-enabled security tags on valuable materials and other objects can trigger alerts if they are moved outside a designated area, protecting rare collections or expensive equipment.
Real-time video surveillance and emergency alerts
IoT-based surveillance systems with AI capabilities can help identify unauthorized access or suspicious activity, notifying staff in real time for quicker response.
7. Economic growth and innovation
Smart cities offer support for startups and innovation hubs, promoting new technology-based industries and job creation and integrating smart solutions to boost economic efficiency.
Public libraries can also support the development of local businesses. The Entrepreneurs Suite at the Toronto Public Library, for example, is a dedicated co-working space where small business owners can connect with other entrepreneurs and social innovators, and access staff assistance and training to help them start and grow their ventures.
In addition to wireless internet and access to printing, scanning and photocopying, the Entrepreneurs Suite also gives users access to the technology and software in the library's Digital Innovation Hub.
8. Personalized services
Municipalities can tailor city services based on individual needs, such as personalized transport options or adaptive energy pricing.
Smart libraries, by the same token, might use IoT-enabled apps or smart screens that interact with users’ devices to provide personalized book recommendations, upcoming events or workshop reminders based on previous checkouts or preferences.
Just as smart city technologies integrate features that work together to make communities more livable, efficient and sustainable, libraries are evolving to support these goals by providing digital access points, adopting smart infrastructure to make their operations more efficient and sustainable, and everaging data to better understand and serve the needs of their patrons.
