AI and Library Research - Home

Cowles Library provides the following information and linked resources in order to raise awareness of the variety of tools available in the Generative AI (GenAI) universe. We do not necessarily fully endorse the use of these tools as that is up to the end user, their needs, the assignment and course requirements, and the atmosphere the work is being done in.

Cowles Library recognizes that the rise of generative AI gives writers and researchers the ability to generate new content and seek out new information faster than ever before. The library faculty, in an effort to help educate the students, staff, and faculty of Drake University on the benefits and risks of generative AI, have created a set of guiding principles to consider when using these tools in the research and scholarship process.

In the following guide you will find explanations, frequently asked questions, and resources to help you navigate the complex world of GenAI. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

The design and study of machines that can perform tasks that would previously have required human (or other biological) brainpower to accomplish. AI is a broad field that incorporates many different aspects of intelligence, such as reasoning, making decisions, learning from mistakes, communicating, solving problems, and moving around the physical world. AI was founded as an academic discipline in the mid-1950s, and is now found in myriad everyday applications, including virtual assistants, search engines, navigation apps and online banking. [Alan Turing Institute]

Generative AI (GenAI):

An Artificial intelligence model that generates text, images, audio, video or other media in response to user prompts. It uses machine learning techniques to create new data that has similar characteristics to the data it was trained on. Generative AI applications include chatbots, photo and video filters, and virtual assistants. [POST]

Agentic AI:

According to Microsoft, "Agentic AI refers to AI systems that go beyond static responses—they can reason, plan, act, and adapt autonomously. These agents operate in dynamic environments, making decisions and invoking tools to achieve goals with minimal human intervention."

Here is a really helpful visual explainer about how large language models work.  

AI Glossaries:

• Alan Turing Institute
• The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) [United Kingdom]  

Please contact Dan Chibnall (dan.chibnall@drake.edu) or Priya Shenoy (priya.shenoy@drake.edu) if you have any questions or resource suggestions.