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AI for Research: Using AI

Definitions, best practices, and ethical use of AI tools in the workplace and classroom.

Implications of AI use

  • LLM responses may contain inaccurate and biased information.
  • Critically analyze AI-generated responses and always cross-check facts against credible sources.
  • As a human, steer the conversation with the AI, don't let it lead you.
  • Reserve all decision-making and critical thinking for yourself.
  • Do not offload important decisions to AI tools.
  • Do not share sensitive, private, or copyrighted information with AI chatbots. 

Remember, LLMs use conversations in their training models. Nothing is private.

Any decisions you make based on AI are ultimately your responsibility.

Even AI experts have been caught using AI-generated text in their work. Don't let this be you.

Stanford misinformation expert admits to ChatGPT 'hallucinations' in court statement from The Stanford Daily

Tips for ethical AI use in the classroom

Providing students with clear guidance on AI in the classroom creates a learning environment based on integrity, accountability, and transparency. The following guidelines offer approaches to discussing AI with students.

  • Discuss AI tools with students openly.

  • Establish clear expectations and guidelines for appropriate AI use in assignments.

  • Provide examples of appropriate AI use in assignments. Give examples of inappropriate use.

  • Require students to be transparent about their use of AI tools.

  • Be transparent about your use of AI tools to model ethical use to students.

  • Never upload student work to AI tools without their permission.

  • Use AI plagiarism detectors with caution as they are prone to false positives.

Tips for ethical AI use at work

LLMs and other AI tools offer many ways to increase your productivity and efficiency. Following these general guidelines will ensure your integrity and credibility are unquestioned when you use AI to support your work.

  • Be transparent about your use of AI tools.

  • Do not present AI-generated work as your original work.

  • Critically analyze AI responses for bias, inaccuracies, and falsehoods.

  • Do not offload important decisions to AI. You are responsible for the decisions you make using AI.

  • Use AI tools as an assistant to help you brainstorm, create outlines, generate ideas, and draft emails.

LLMs and other GenAI tools have revolutionized how we work, teach, and learn, enabling us to boost creativity, productivity, and efficiency. Use AI for work tasks that are:

  • Repetitive
    • Drafting emails, summarizing policies
  • Time-Intensive
    • Summarizing meeting notes
  • Text-Heavy
    • Drafting grant applications, brainstorming program ideas
  • Structured Input/Output
    • Creating outlines, compiling lists
  • Creative
    • Drafting event descriptions, social media posts
  • Organizational
    • Drafting proposal, project planning

Source

Trice, Crystal. ChatGPT & AI: Transform Your Daily Work and Your Library Services. Library 2.0, 27 Jun. 2025. Webinar.