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The Center for Technology in Government at the University at Albany/SUNY has launched an online forum to gather feedback on the role of libraries in supporting open government. The forum is part of a project supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through a 2013 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (LB21) grant to explore how libraries can have a critical influence on a community’s information ecosystem and the success of open government initiatives.

“State and local governments are exploring new ways to open their governments using technology to engage citizens, increase transparency and accountability,” said G. Brian Burke, managing director, CTG. “Such efforts provide new opportunities and challenges for public libraries as citizens turn to them for both access to and assistance in their interactions with government.”

To guide the online discussion, CTG has developed a concept paper that proposes a framework to provide public libraries with a common language to characterize and describe current and potential programs and activities as they relate to supporting open government in their communities. The paper, entitled Enabling Open Government For All: A planning framework for public libraries, is available on the new website for the public to read and comment on through the forum. 

CTG is seeking broad review of the framework and is using social media, professional associations, and other strategies to solicit input from various stakeholder groups. The national forum will be held in early May in the Washington, DC area to bring together public library; local government; information and library science; open government; and other experts to further refine and improve the framework in order to create a useful planning tool for all types of public libraries. 

At the end of the online and national forums, CTG will produce a final version of the framework, which it will make available to all public libraries and others interested in open government. CTG will also be looking for public libraries and other stakeholders interested in follow on projects to test and implement the framework and other tools and ideas generated throughout the project. 

To participate in the online forum, visit: http://imls.ctg.albany.edu/ 

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The mission of the Center for Technology in Government at the University at Albany is to foster public sector innovation, enhance capability, generate public value, and support good governance. We carry out this mission through applied research, knowledge sharing, and collaboration at the intersection of policy, management, and technology. 

Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts "The World Within Reach" for its more than 17,300 students. An internationally recognized research university with 118 undergraduate majors and minors and 138 graduate programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as criminal justice, information science, public administration, social welfare, business and sociology. With a curriculum enhanced by 500 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers. Visit UAlbany's extensive roster of faculty experts. 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.