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PolyU Library

Harnessing GenAI in Your Academic Journey

As the university's information hub, the Library is dedicated to promoting information literacy and AI literacy, including the use of GenAI, which is transforming how we discover and interact with information, research workflow and academic integrity.  

Establishing a strong foundation in traditional research skills is crucial, even in an era where GenAI tools are readily available. These foundational skills enable you to critically evaluate sources, formulate effective research questions, and understand the context of your work. AI and GenAI tools are not direct replacements for traditional research workflows; rather, they serve as enhancements that can accelerate and improve the information seeking and research process. Developing both information and AI literacy will empower you to determine when and how to use these tools effectively, ensuring you maximize their potential and produce high-quality research.

In this guide, you will explore how GenAI tools can be integrated into your research processes and discover valuable tips for harnessing both information and AI literacy in your academic journey!

GenAI and Ethical Considerations

It is important to recognize that effectively using these tools goes beyond just knowing how to operate them. It also requires careful considerations of the ethical implications:

  • Academic Integrity Issues: Using GenAI tools can blur the lines of authorship of your academic work. It is crucial to understand how to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. For more information, please refer to GenAI & Academic Integrity.

  • Copyright and Data Security Issues: Users are accountable for their use of GenAI tools in handling information. The rapid evolution of AI has outpaced copyright laws, leading to uncertainties, which may inadvertently infringe copyright. Even if you are inputting your own information, check how the personal or sensitive data is protected and used by these tools to make informed decision. For further details, please refer to GenAI & Responsible Information Use.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you can harness GenAI responsibly and ethically, contributing positively to your academic and research endeavors.