AI for Research: Getting Started with Generative AI Responsibly

Are you unsure about whether generative AI tools are useful, reliable, or appropriate when conducting research for assignments and course projects? Designed for beginners, this workshop will help you explore freely available features of generative AI tools and how they can support (not replace!) your thinking and learning. Come to this workshop to practice effective prompt design, and to experience how AI tools may help with brainstorming ideas, narrowing a research topic, and informing your search strategy. Throughout, we will reflect on how AI tools differ from the library’s OMNI search platform and discuss strengths, limitations, ethical concerns, and privacy issues, including York’s AI-related academic integrity expectations. You will take away practical strategies for determining when AI tools are acceptable and fit for purpose, some tips on evaluating the quality of outputs, and approaches to responsible use of these tools when conducting research for assignments.