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Generative Artificial Intelligence

This guide offers information to help Library users learn basic information about AI, and make choices about using AI tools in academic work.

Generative artificial intelligence has already started to have an impact on the way we discover, manage, create, and disseminate information. 

Generative AI tools are in a state of rapid development, and new information about applications, policies, and social impact is released each day. While every attempt will be made to keep this guide up to date, please be aware that the information included here is likely to age quickly. 

The Library does not endorse any specific AI technologies, and encourages users to be cautious about sharing personal information when using AI tools. 

Critical AI Learning Community

Every other Monday from noon - 1:00 pm, starting September 18, 2023.
Location: Rockefeller Library and Zoom.
Lunch is provided. Sign up to register for the first meeting.

A participant-led learning community where students, faculty, and staff meet to explore and critique artificial intelligence technology, and its implications for learners and researchers throughout the Brown community. Learners of all levels and backgrounds are encouraged to share their experiences, questions, and ideas. The first two meetings will focus on basic knowledge of AI technology, and the group members will determine future meeting topics. 

The goals for this community include:

  • Become familiar with key concepts and terminology related to artificial intelligence
  • Learn the basics of using generative AI tools
  • Develop skills for evaluating and critiquing AI technology
  • Explore emergent applications of AI technology

Other potential outcomes, based on the directions set by community participants, could include:

  • Identify frameworks to assess AI tools
  • Develop pedagogy and teaching resources
  • Draft a white paper on the use of AI in academic settings (or other topics chosen by the group)

We shape this community together! We encourage all participants to also be contributors - to help design, inquire, and share throughout our lunchtime meetings. Our hope is that participants will discuss and propose their own ideas and share in the stewardship of this respectful, inclusive, and generative space.

Artificial Intelligence in Humanities Research Working Group 

We are in early discussions of creating an Artificial Intelligence in Humanities Research working group to serve as a place for researchers across the humanities who work with AI to discuss ideas and share with others in the community. If you would be interested in joining an AI in Humanities Research workshop group, please reach out to Ashley Champagne, Director of the Center for Digital Scholarship (CDS), at ashley_champagne@brown.edu.

Library Workshops

The Library will offer workshops on using and critiquing generative artificial intelligence during the fall semester. Visit the Library's workshops calendar after the start of the semester to learn more. 

Canvas Course: Writing and Citing Critically: An AI Guide for Informed Students

This learning resource will help you develop an understanding of generative artificial intelligence technology, the social impact of this emerging technology, and the impact it may have on your writing process. This resource is a collaboration of the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning and Brown University Library.

To view the course, sign in to canvas.brown.edu, then click "Commons" on the left menu. The course is titled "Writing and Citing Critically: An AI Guide for Informed Students." Instructions for importing the module(s) into an existing class are included. Faculty can choose to import all or only part of the content into their class.