Q. Does the Thompson Library use AI?

The Thompson Library uses artificial intelligence in two ways:

1. A growing number of library databases have AI modules or tools to assist with research, for example, by finding articles, summarizing key points, or explaining new or important topics within an academic discipline. You generally do not have to use these AI tools unless you want to. To see which databases include artificial intelligence, you can select Artificial Intelligence Tools as the Database type in our A-Z list.
   
   


2. When there isn't a librarian available on our chat service, a chatbot is available for answering simple questions about the library, such as library hours, where to search for articles, etc. While it's technically an AI app, it doesn't understand sentences, but recognizes certain words and phrases. Just look for the chat widget on most library web pages.
   
   

Some people love using AI, some people hate using it, and some people fall somewhere in the middle. But no matter how you feel about artificial intelligence, please never feel that you have to use AI to use the library or its resources. You can always contact a live human being for assistance by phone, text message, email, or chat, or start a ticket through the chatbot. Even if the library is closed, someone will get back with you when we're open.