Using Generative AI in Library Services & Operations

The Drexel Libraries democratize access to artificial intelligence tools and technology to foster digital literacy among all people. The Libraries embraces the opportunity to educate library users and information professionals about AI, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a society that is increasingly reliant on AI.

Recognizing the inherent susceptibility of all AI to distortion, we leverage our expertise to raise user awareness regarding distortions present in AI systems and their outputs. We strive to enhance transparency and understanding, fostering a library and research environment that empowers users with the knowledge to navigate and critically assess AI-driven information and services.

Drexel Libraries will advocate for openness and transparency in algorithms, training data, and methodologies used to create AI technologies that we license. The Drexel Libraries will also ensure transparency in its own use of AI tools by disclosing when AI-generated content is used.

"No human, no AI.” This principle underscores the importance of human involvement in critical decision-making junctures, enhancing accountability, ethical considerations, and the overall reliability of AI-driven processes in the research environment.

The Drexel Libraries prioritizes the security and privacy of users in the use of AI tools, technology, and training data.

AI technologies and services should be assessed against their impacts on sustainability and the environment.

The Drexel Libraries assert that copyright law is flexible and robust enough to respond to many copyright issues that arise from the intersection of technology and AI.

AI technologies may be used to assist clients in retrieving information from library catalogs, databases, and digital collections, improving search efficiency. Note that the Drexel Libraries cannot vouch for third-party AI tools that appear in licensed databases, publications, and tools.

Libraries will not use AI-generated responses to answer client reference questions or staff queries without cross-referencing sources and doing additional research. This includes recognizing that some search engines display answers to queries with AI results at the top of the webpage.

Drexel Libraries Staff may use AI to begin drafting responses to client inquiries or to refine wording. Any information obtained from an AI summary must be verified using reliable sources before being shared with a client.

When using AI tools to draft written content, staff are responsible for (1) carefully reviewing and fact-checking the AI output; (2) ensuring the AI tool does not borrow text verbatim from other sources; (3) disclosing the use of AI in the drafting/research as appropriate (see Best Practices for Disclosing Use of AI chart).

AI tools may be utilized to analyze non-sensitive library data to inform decision-making and improve services. As a reminder, you should never enter confidential data into a publicly available AI tool, as per the University’s policy. It is also important to remember that using AI tools for data analysis is still limited. AI tools are best used for data cleaning and for analyzing small data sets. Always review results carefully before sharing data analytics widely or using results to make decisions.

Using AI video/image editing tools to assist with tasks such as color grading and/or noise reduction are generally acceptable applications, so long as the usage does not substantially alter the authenticity of the image. If generating an entirely new image using AI, staff will indicate the model that created the image in the photo credit line.

Note: AI should not be used to replicate or imitate a person’s likeness or voice without their written consent.

Drexel Libraries staff may use AI tools to transcribe handwriting to text to increase discoverability and accessibility of archival materials. Staff will review transcriptions whenever possible to check for errors.

Libraries staff may use AI tools to transcribe recordings, meeting notes, interviews, or events, to help increase discoverability and accessibility of content. Staff will never use AI to transcribe meetings involving HR, legal, or other highly confidential data or information. AI-generated notes may include errors and will be reviewed before they are distributed.

The Drexel Libraries will not use AI technologies for surveillance purposes within the library premises, including facial recognition or tracking client behavior without their explicit consent.

The Libraries will not use AI systems to discriminate against clients based on factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. 

Any AI system that collects client data must adhere to the Libraries’ privacy and data policies. Data must be securely stored, and access should be restricted to authorized personnel only. AI applications will not collect client data without explicit consent, and such data shall not be used for purposes other than those specified at the time of collection.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) broadly refers to systems that perform tasks associated with human intelligence, like classification, prediction, or decision support.

Generative AI (like ChatGPT) creates new content—such as text or images—based on patterns in training data. Not all AI is generative.

It depends. At Drexel, individual course instructors decide whether AI tools are permitted in a course and if so, the exact conditions and criteria for use. Visit Drexel’s AI Guidance for Students website for more details. If your professor allows the use of AI, you must be sure to attribute and cite your use of AI in your submitted work.

It is worth noting two important things:

1. AI cannot replace the critical role of the human researcher!
2. AI is typically not a reliable source for academic resources

Finally, remember that you are the author! When you decide to integrate AI tools into your work, you must take full responsibility for any AI-assisted materials you submit. Ask yourself: are you able to ensure your AI-assisted work is accurate? Be sure to fact check and troubleshoot the quality of AI outputs or consult with an expert, like a Drexel librarian or your professors.

AI tools are not library databases. You might start by entering a prompt into ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas or understand a complex topic. From there, you can use our databases to find scholarly information vetted by experts for your in-depth research.

• Databases: Curated, searchable collections of scholarly information selected by experts, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books, or datasets. Use the Libraries’ databases to verify facts an find specific research on a topic. [Examples: ProQuest, EBSCO, CINHAL]
• AI tools: Tools that use artificial intelligence to analyze or synthesize information and assist with research tasks. They can be a great tool for summarizing existing knowledge about a topic and helping you generate ideas. [Examples: ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini]

Drexel provides access to some AI tools and there are many no-cost tools available as well: AI Tools Keep in mind that most AI tools are not designed for research purposes. To choose the right tool for you, first consider what you want to do—get feedback, organize notes, generate ideas, or something else. Then evaluate the tools available to you, factoring in tools that are available through Drexel, additional costs, and usage limits.

APA Style recently updated its guidelines for citing AI. Previously, it was standard to cite the AI tool, not the individual chat session. Since many AI tools now make it possible to share individual chat sessions, APA now allows both in-text citations and references. Visit the APA Style Blog for sample citations.