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Skills at Library: AI for research

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Generative AI is transforming the way we study, research, and work - but how can you use these tools effectively and ethically in your academic journey?

This section introduces you to the fundamentals of generative AI for academic research. Learn practical strategies for crafting effective prompts for different tasks and be equipped with the knowledge to make the most of generative AI in your studies while ensuring you adhere to academic integrity guidelines.

Key areas covered:

  • Understand what generative AI is and how it can be applied in your research
  • Develop practical skills for using generative AI tools effectively in academic work
  • Learn to craft effective and ethical AI prompts tailored to research needs
  • Explore the ethical considerations of AI use
     

Each Skills at Library module provides examples of how AI can support your research. This page builds on the content covered in the sections below. If you're not yet confident in these areas, please review the linked resources before continuing.


Click to expand presentation: Using generative AI for research


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Getting started with ethical GenAI use:

  • AI is a thinking partner, not a decision-maker – It can help you develop ideas but doesn't replace your judgement.
  • Use AI to collaborate, not to depend – Brainstorm and explore, but always review and refine the results yourself.
  • You're responsible for accuracy – AI might sound convincing, but it can still be wrong.
  • Question everything – Ask: Does this make sense? Is it accurate? Can I improve it?
  • Treat AI as a drafting tool – Start with its output, but shape the final version yourself.
  • Know what’s allowed – AI can’t write your assessments, but it can support your learning in many legitimate ways. When in doubt, follow your department’s rules and consult the University’s AI guidance for students.
  • Complete the 'Construct AI prompts using the CREATE Framework' exercise to consolidate your knowledge. 

Skills at Library skill rating: advanced

AI literacy builds on advanced information literacy skills, and requires:

  1. Developed information literacy skills
  2. A good understanding of the different types of sources you will need for your research and how to search for them
  3. Critical evaluating skills for verifying information and checking source quality
  4.  Strong digital skills will also help you engage with information online.

If you're not confident in these areas, take a few minutes to refresh your knowledge by visiting the pages linked above. Developing these skills will give you confidence to find good quality information, be critical about your sources, and use the information you find according to our standards of academic honesty and integrity.


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Want to learn more about Generative AI?


 

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Artificial intelligence guidance

The University's central artificial intelligence guidance outlines what you are and aren't allowed to use artificial intelligence (AI) for in your academic work, and what would constitute an academic offence whilst using AI. Your department may give you more guidance on AI use, but this central guidance is a great starting point for checking that the way you're using AI is ethical and compliant with University policy.

The key takeaways from this guidance are:

  • You can't copy-paste outputs from generative AI tools into your work
  • You can, however, use AI to find and define information, organise yourself and your work, check your tone and grammar, and more
  • AI tools are going to continue to develop and advance, so learning how to use them ethically will benefit you in your studies and future career

If you wish to learn how to use AI more effectively, you can come along to our 'Using Generative AI for research' workshop where we talk about writing better prompts and ways to utilise AI ethically, or you can come along to any of our workshops, which all introduce some AI tools and tasks that are created specifically for the academic environment.

Academic integrity, authorship and plagiarism

These pages define what academic integrity means in a UK Higher Education context and what we expect from you as students at the University of Essex. The landing page also pulls together some of the resources highlighted in this guide, such as Moodle courses and Referencing guidance.

If you're feeling uncertain about the meaning of plagiarism or academic integrity, remember that you can attend our workshop on "intro to academic integrity and referencing" that talks you through some strategies for avoiding academic offences and introduces our referencing support.

Academic offences

If you're not sure what "academic offence" entails, this section on the exams and coursework page gives a good explanation of what we mean by plagiarism as well as providing definitions of other common academic offences, such as collusion, falsification, and contract cheating. The section also highlights what happens and what to expect if you are accused of academic misconduct, and provides strategies on avoiding academic offences.

You may also want to check out the academic offences procedure (.pdf) for more examples of academic offences and a breakdown of the process for academic misconduct investigations.

If you scroll further up on the page, you can also find policies and advice on assessments and reassessments, extenuating circumstances, late submissions, and appeals.

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Except where otherwise noted, this work by University of Essex Library and Cultural Services is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.

 

 

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