At SMU Libraries, we recognize that generative AI is not just a new tool to be learned; it fundamentally reshapes research processes and how people seek, evaluate, and create information. We support the thoughtful integration and critical examination of AI tools in the classroom and research.
In the classroom, we help students meaningfully engage with AI and develop AI literacy grounded in critical thinking about information, authority, and research strategy. In research, we provide training on AI-driven research tools while fostering a critical understanding of their limitations, including inherent biases.
AI Literacy in the Classroom
- The Research with Generative AI guide offers resources on using generative AI tools in academic research, covering topics such as prompt engineering, ethical considerations, and citation practices.
- The Research Assignment Design: Generative AI guide provides strategies to incorporate AI thoughtfully into research instruction.
- Import Canvas tutorials created by SMU Libraries into your courses: Introduction to GenAI and Thinking Critically about GenAI.
- Your subject librarian can incorporate AI literacy into in-class instruction.
AI Literacy in Research
- The Research and Scholarly Initiatives team can help you incorporate AI into your research during one-on-one consultations
- AI for Research Summer Cohort is an interdisciplinary summer cohort of SMU faculty to evaluate AI tools designed for academic research.
Current and Future SMU Libraries Projects
SMU Libraries staff are actively leading and contributing to research that explores AI and information. Our expertise supports our students, faculty, and the broader academic community. Current and future initiatives include:
- Participating in the Defining and Implementing AI Literacy Ithaka study.
- Creating an AI literacy framework with guidelines for practical and critical instruction.
- Testing AI tools' ability to write literature reviews and to conduct systematic reviews.
- Conducting a formal study of the usefulness of an AI search tool for student searching.
- Studying a JSTOR AI metadata tool for digital collections.
- Exploring AI transcription for oral histories.
- Investigating how AI affects open access publishing.
AI Resources at SMU
- Our guide to all AI Resources at SMU
- Office of Information Technology's Generative Artificial Intelligence Guidance
- Center for Teaching Excellence's Generative AI and Pedagogy at SMU
Read more about how SMU Libraries is engaging with generative AI on our blog.