AI and the Library

Before you start

These pages are not a technical guide to AI. Our aim is to provide an overview of AI tools you might use in your learning and research and to support you in developing critical AI literacy for the ethical and appropriate use of AI. Please check guidance from your school and the University’s academic integrity guidelines for the most up-to-date information on using AI in your work.

Develop your skills

AI tools are not a substitute for learning the fundamentals of conducting academic research. The library provides specialist resources and support to help you develop your library and research skills:

• Join one of our library and research skills workshops
• Work at your own pace through our self-guided tutorials 
• Get expert advice and support from your Subject Librarian 

During term time we hold monthly Critically evaluating AI workshops for the opportunity to discuss your knowledge and experience of AI and deepen your critical AI literacy. If an AI workshop is not listed on our events page, please check back later. 

To complement what you will learn in this guide, we recommend that you work through the Study Skills team's Using AI at University tutorial to understand:

• how AI tools work
• when you can use generative AIs (including ChatGPT, Co-Pilot and Claude)
• how to write good prompts to help you study
• using AI as a tutor
• the grey areas around academic integrity 

Please note: inclusion of specific AI tools in this guide is not an endorsement of those tools.