AI Position Statement

Milner Library recognizes the influx of commercially available generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools currently on the market, including those available in library databases and platforms. When the tools are optional, Milner Library will critically evaluate them to determine if they meet the needs of our users and align with our mission, vision, and values and the university’s guiding principles on the responsible use of AI before deciding whether to make them available. We strive to keep abreast of tools as they become available, but there may be a delay in evaluation if tools become available without our notice. AI tools should supplement human cognitive processes, not be a substitute for them. In evaluating these tools, we aim to ensure they promote student and faculty success.

Generative AI is an emerging technology with known imperfections. AI tools produce outputs which inherently reflect the biases and positionality of the tool’s creators and the underlying data on which they were trained. They lack the curated precision of traditional library resources and cannot guarantee the accuracy or source of their information. While they may be useful for exploratory research, users should confirm the accuracy, reliability, and applicability of generative AI outputs. Even tools Milner Library has reviewed and approved must be used with these limitations in mind, and we encourage users to decide whether to make use of each tool. We will be transparent about the products that include or integrate AI tools by placing a public note on the A-Z Database List.