Elise Ferer is an Instruction and Outreach Librarian at Binghamton University in New York State. Her research interests include information literacy, reference services, and student employees in libraries.
In this session we will explore the responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence in higher education and ways in which we can incorporate AI tools into our classrooms and IL instruction. Much like Wikipedia, AI tools can assist our students in developing their own research and writing skills when used in responsible ways. In embracing generative AI librarians can assist students in navigating the use of AI in research and writing. As many of our students are already using AI tools or will be using them in the near future it is important for librarians to explore these tools and think about how they can be used to help students learn.
Currently use of AI tools intersects with the ways in which librarians approach plagiarism, either from a punitive standpoint or one that focuses on academic integrity, responsibility and a growth mindset. As many faculty are approaching AI usage from a place of fear and punishment, a positive approach can lessen the anxiety that many in higher education feel around AI tools.
Librarians recognize power in brainstorming before and during the search process and also see the importance in using the language and terminology of a subject when searching databases. But many struggle with finding the terms that will return the types of information needed in an academic setting. Because of this, AI tools can be extremely powerful during the brainstorming process and in topic development.
Based on these thoughts around generative AI I will share a lesson plan that encourages first year students to think about the strengths and weaknesses of generative AI, responsible use, and how to use these tools in the development of research questions and keywords.
