Document Type

Poster Session

Publication Date

2024

Keywords

Generative AI, Academic Libraries, Research Tools, User Experience, Information Resources

Abstract

Libraries, as third spaces that provide guidance, education, and access to information resources, are facing a wide range of challenges in light of increasing public access and interest in generative AI. Third spaces are spaces separate from work and home where a wide variety of individuals normally seek conversation and community. Academic libraries serve generative AI users with a variety of research needs and proficiencies, connecting users with institutional policy and guidance on the use of generative AI while supporting inquiry into generative AI tools as another type of information resource. The range of library user experience means libraries must be ready to help users at varying levels of generative AI exploration. On one end of the spectrum, a graduate researcher with approval from his advising faculty may need to know what material they can use in the creation of a customized chatbot using an existing LLM, or how they can best make use of assistive AI research tools to prepare their literature review. The library can provide this student with information on library subscription terms, guidance on the terms and conditions of databases, and insight into the most popular AI research tools. On the other end of the spectrum, an undergraduate student with little experience with generative AI may have heard from a friend that it could help them. The library can connect these students with institutional policy and guidance to make sure their use of generative AI is approved by their instructor, give them resources on the basic descriptions, definitions, issues, and possibilities of generative AI, and point them to library workshops where they can learn more.

The demand for library action in relation to generative AI is not just from library users. Library subscription resources, journal, e-book, and media databases, to which the library purchases access for its users, have steadily been including generative AI search extensions, chat services, and information analysis tools. As an intermediary between the end users of these AI extensions and publishers or distributors, academic libraries are expected to communicate both the availability and possibilities of these tools as well as any feedback from the end user. Across these new areas of focus for academic libraries, library professionals are elevating their services and specialty areas to better accommodate their user’s needs. This session will explore the many ways the academic library advances research exploration and inquiry into generative AI and AI-augmented research tools, with a look at examples in practice at USF Libraries.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Created for the Second USF Artificial Intelligence + X Symposium.

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