Tag: AI

The usefulness of reference generators…and a word of caution

WordPress User [nrb] Help & advice, Information Skills, Referencing Leave a comment

Reference generators like MyBib and Scribbr have become popular tools for students navigating the complexities of academic writing. These tools simplify the process of formatting citations and bibliographies, which means you get to save some precious time! However, while they are good starting points to quickly generate a reference, you should approach them with responsibility and caution.

Strengths of MyBib and Scribbr

  1. Ease of Use: Both MyBib and Scribbr are user-friendly, offering intuitive interfaces that allow you to input resource details quickly and generate citations in referencing styles like APA, MLA, Harvard and many more.
  2. Key Features:
    • Creates references for a variety of resources, including books, e-books, journal articles, websites and more!
    • MyBib integrates seamlessly with platforms like Word, ensuring smooth workflows during document drafting.
    • Scribbr offers features like secure backups and annotations to enhance organisation and protect work.
  3. Free Accessibility: Both tools are free to use, making them accessible to students across various academic levels. You can use them without an account or sign up for a free account to unlock more features.

Limitations to Consider

While these tools are helpful, they are not perfect. You should be aware of the following limitations:

  1. Accuracy Issues:
    • Citation generators can occasionally misinterpret uncommon or complex sources, leading to formatting errors.
    • Automated tools may struggle with non-standard references such as datasets or foreign-language texts.
    • Common errors by these tools are capitalisation, punctuation, spacing, formatting and even incorrect information or placement.
  2. Over-Reliance Risks:
    • Blindly trusting these tools without verifying the output can result in incorrect citations that compromise good academic practice. Do not just copy and paste the reference from MyBib or Scribbr directly into your assignment without checking (and checking again!) for accuracy.
    • Errors in citations can lead to deductions in grades and/or even accusations of plagiarism.

Best Practices for Responsible Use

To use citation generators effectively while minimising risks, you should follow these guidelines:

  1. Verify Every Citation: Always double-check the generated references against official style guides and your departmental guidelines to ensure accuracy and that you don’t lose marks for your referencing.
    • Ensure you’re following your departmental referencing style – check your department and module handbook.
    • Check the generated reference against the examples given in the Referencing and Plagiarism Awareness LibGuide. Tab 8 of the LibGuide has departmental referencing examples – find your department and cross check the reference for the source used (e.g. book, e-book, article, website etc.) is written in the correct format and order.
    • Seek guidance from your Subject Librarian. They offer one-on-one consultations and are experts in the specific referencing styles used in your fields of study.
  2. Understand reference rules: Familiarise yourself with the principles of academic referencing to spot errors and make necessary corrections – these reference generator tools are handy, but they can’t replace the skill of and the importance of knowing how to reference correctly.
  3. Use as a Starting Point: Treat tools like MyBib and Scribbr as initial aids rather than definitive solutions. They simplify the process but do not replace critical thinking or attention to detail.
  4. Cross-Check Sources: For complex or uncommon sources, consult additional resources or seek guidance from your Subject Librarian.
  5. Avoid Over-Reliance: Make sure to find a good balance between automation of these tools and manual effort—it’s all about staying in control of your academic work and learning the skill of referencing for yourself.

Yes, MyBib and Scribbr are valuable tools for simplifying citation management for academic writing. Their ease of use and accessibility make them ideal starting points for working on assignments. However, a few words of caution. They are not flawless, foolproof nor entirely reliable – it is essential that you double check and verify what is generated for accuracy. These tools should not be used as a substitute for a comprehensive understanding of citation and referencing style rules. Responsible use of these tools ensures that good academic practice is upheld while benefiting from their convenience.

AI and the Library. Week Seven: The Ethics of Using Generative AI (Part Two)

WordPress User [sif4] Help & advice, Information Skills, Learning, Research Leave a comment

Be transparent about your AI Usage

Before we get properly underway, let me just reiterate that you must always follow any university and departmental guidance on using AI tools in assessed work.

In our last post on the ethics of using generative AI, we started looking at the importance of understanding the responsibilities that come with using these tools. The key message in that post was the need to familiarise yourself with Aberystwyth University’s guidelines on AI usage.

This week, we’re covering another important topic: being transparent about your use of AI tools in assessed work.

As generative AI becomes more widely available, universities are emphasising the importance of academic integrity and clear disclosure when using these technologies.

Using AI can be a valuable aid in research, brainstorming, and drafting, but it’s essential to be upfront about how and where you’ve used it.

Being open about your use of AI tools is vital for maintaining academic integrity. Transparency shows your commitment to honesty and ethical study practices.

Key Takeaway: Why Transparency Matters:

  • It demonstrates your academic honesty.
  • It reflects your commitment to ethical study practices.
  • It highlights your critical thinking skills.
  • It reinforces your professional accountability.

How to Acknowledge AI Usage:

Academic departments and module coordinators will be best placed to advise you on how you should acknowledge AI outputs. These might include:

  • AI tool-use statements.
  • Advice on correct referencing and citation practices for AI outputs.

You can find additional help and support on using AI here: Artificial Intelligence  : Information Services , Aberystwyth University

AI and the Library. Week Six: The Ethics of Using Generative AI (Part One)

WordPress User [sif4] Help & advice, Information Skills, Learning, Research Leave a comment

When I first set out to write about the ethics of using generative AI, I thought it would be just a single blog post. But the deeper I dug, the more there was to explore. So, instead of just one post, this topic has turned into a spin-off series of its own (think House of the Dragon to Game of Thrones!)

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored how generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are transforming how users interact with library resources. But with these advancements come important ethical considerations.

The first, and arguably most important, step in using generative AI responsibly is understanding your university’s AI policies. Familiarising yourself with the guidelines ensures you stay academically honest and allows you to make informed decisions about AI use.

Here’s are some things to keep in mind:

University-wide Guidelines

  • Review the university’s official policies on using AI in academic work.
  • Check for specific rules about AI in assignments, exams, or research projects.

Departmental Advice

  • Look for any AI-related guidance provided by your academic department.
  • Pay attention to instructions or updates from your module tutors about AI use.

Module-specific Rules

  • Some modules may have unique rules about using AI tools.
  • Check your module handbook or ask your module coordinator if you’re unsure about what’s allowed.

Consequences of Misuse

  • Misusing AI or failing to acknowledge its role could be considered academic misconduct.
  • Be aware of the potential consequences, such as:
    • Failed assignments.
    • Disciplinary action.
    • Harm to your academic reputation.

By understanding these policies, you can use AI responsibly and meet the university’s expectations while maintaining academic integrity.

AI and the Library. Week Five: Using AI to Develop Smart Keyword Searches.

WordPress User [sif4] Help & advice, Information Skills, Learning, Research Leave a comment

Here at the library, we’re big fans of Primo, the library catalogue. With Primo, you’re not just able to find the books on our shelves, you’re also getting access millions of digital resources, all ready and waiting at your fingertips.

But with so many resources available to you, searching the library catalogue can sometimes feel frustrating. If you use too broad a search (e.g. “history”) then you are inundated with results. Too narrow a search term (“Neo-Gothic architecture in rural Chile”) and you’ve got nothing!

So what can you do? Our advice as subject librarians is to start by building a keyword vocabulary. Having a clear set of keywords will make your searches more targeted, helping you focus on the most relevant and useful resources. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference in your research journey!

How Can AI Help You Build a Search Vocabulary?

An AI tool like ChatGPT can suggest smarter keywords, synonyms, and related concepts to make your searches more effective. Let’s look at some examples.

1. Smarter Alternatives to Broad Terms.

[Prompt] Suggest some keyword alternatives for “Climate change”

The AI might respond with:

  • Global warming.
  • Climate crisis.
  • Greenhouse effect.

2. Investigating Causes.

Want to explore what drives climate change? Try:

[Prompt] Provide me with a list of keywords for some of the main causes of climate change.

The response:

  • Carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Fossil fuels.
  • Industrial pollution.
  • Methane emissions.

3. Exploring Impacts.

    Do you want to focus on how climate change affects the planet? Use:

    [Prompt] Suggest keywords for the main impacts of climate change.

    Response:

    • Sea level rise.
    • Melting polar ice caps.
    • Extreme weather events.
    • Biodiversity loss.
    • Ocean acidification.

    4. Looking for Solutions

    For mitigation strategies, try:

    [Prompt] Suggest keywords for how climate change can be mitigated.

    Response

    • Renewable energy.
    • Carbon sequestration.
    • Climate change policies.
    • Green technology.
    • Sustainable development.

    Putting It All Together

    Finally, combine these ideas for a more complex search. For example:

    {Prompt] Suggest a set of keyword searches to find resources on the effects of methane emissions on biodiversity loss and what can be done to mitigate those effects.

    The AI might help you craft a search that looks like this:

    • Methane emissions and biodiversity.
    • Impact of methane on Arctic ecosystems.
    • Methane mitigation technologies in permafrost regions.

    By using AI to build a targeted keyword vocabulary, you’ll spend less time searching and more time discovering the resources you need.

    [Responses listed above were created with ChatGPT].