Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) at UVic Libraries
GenAI tools have wide-reaching implications for how our users create and discover knowledge, and how we collect, organize, and preserve it.
UVic Libraries is actively engaged in learning about GenAI tools and helping you use them safely and ethically in your learning, study, and work at UVic.
Students
- Browse our online guide to , including key concepts and terminology.
- Consult our online guide to .
- Take one of our AI to get a general introduction to generative AI, or learn more about specific topics like AI transcription tools and prompt engineering.
- Always review UVic’s before using GenAI tools in your coursework.
- Take our asynchronous workshop on . You will learn how to create effective prompts for querying large language models (LLMs).
Instructors
- We offer short, downloadable on topics like AI basics, AI ethics and safety, citing AI, and AI terminology. You can include these modules in Brightspace courses, deliver them yourself, ask students to review them independently, or invite a librarian to present them to your class.
- Your subject liaison librarian can help you explore AI-literate research assignments for your students.
Researchers
- We are developing a server. Whisper is a GenAI tool for transcribing audio recordings such as archival interviews. Investing in our own local server allows us to take advantage of rapid transcription of our unique local collections while preserving data privacy.
- We are building staff expertise with . Transkribus is a GenAI tool for transcribing handwritten documents such as manuscripts and letters. Investing in Transkribus allows us to digitize our unique collections in Special Collections and Archives for broader access and use.
- We house and partner with the Humanities Computing and Media Centre, who specialize in creating sustainable, machine-readable digital editions, and with the and the , who provide technology training for scholars in arts, humanities, libraries and archives.
- Many academic publishers, journals, conferences, funding agencies, and other stakeholders in scholarly communications have released policies on the use of generative AI, some of which may be relevant to your research. You can find an .
Community
- Our 2023 University Librarian’s Lecture invited Elizabeth Denham CBE, Brewster Kahle, Masud Khokhar, Michael Ridley, and Dave Obee to discuss emerging issues in artificial intelligence. .
- Our and are freely available to everyone, any time.
Generative AI courses at UVic Libraries
This course introduces qualitative research with automated transcription services powered by artificial intelligence. Participants learn about their various benefits and ethical considerations, and how to transcribe and export audio files in multiple formats. This workshop focuses on tools that are free for UVic students and faculty.
Audiences: For learners of all levels, from undergraduates to faculty members.
This course explores generative AI and its ethical implications in student research. Participants learn to use GenAI for idea generation and literature reviews, while considering issues like plagiarism, privacy, and academic integrity.
Audiences: For students of all levels.
This course teaches the basics of prompt design, an emerging skill set that will support participants in optimizing the effective and responsible use of generative AI tools in their research and other academic applications.
Audiences: For learners of all levels, from undergraduates to faculty members.
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