Thinking Through Gen AI

Welcome to Cook Library’s guide on using artificial intelligence (AI) in academic work! Here, we show you how librarians use Generative AI (Gen AI) to boost their research and writing—and how you can too. Our goal? To share practical ways library professionals integrate AI into their information workflows. As experts in finding, evaluating, and organizing information, librarians bring valuable perspectives on using these tools effectively and ethically.

Explore this guide to find librarian-approved tools that support your reading, research, and writing processes! Whether you're a first-year student or faculty researcher, you'll find practical examples to enhance your academic work while maintaining scholarly integrity.

Gen AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate new content, such as text, images, music, and code, based on large datasets they were trained on. The most familiar Gen AI tools, like ChatGPT and Claude, are powered by Large Language Models (LLMs). These systems work by analyzing and recognizing patterns in conversations, then predicting the most likely next word in a sequence, not by “understanding” like a human would.

• Gen AI tools are increasingly being integrated into academic, professional, and personal settings. As of Summer 2025, TU has adopted three Gen AI tools: Blackboard AI Design Assistant for professor, plus Microsoft Copilot 365 and Zoom AI Companion for everyone with a NetID. Learn more with this Office of Technology Services article on Generative AI guidance.
• When used transparently and thoughtfully, they can support research, writing, communication, and accessibility.
• However, these tools also raise serious concerns about misinformation, bias, ethics, and over-reliance.

Related Guides

While this guide focuses on everyday academic tools, you might also benefit from these related resources and support services that complement your technology needs.

Doing research or preparing to publish a paper? Visit our Research Tech guide for help with data analysis, author profiles, literature reviews, and more.

Struggling to manage a mix of handwritten and digital notes or creating flashcards for an exam? Visit our Student's Guide to Tech guide for help with editing videos, marking up digital texts, and even building better habits.

Technology Recommendations

What tools do you use and when? We want to know! Share technology recommendations and discipline-specific research workflows with Learning Technologies Librarian Brittni Ballard. Your insights will help us revise this guide and learn the tools our community prefers.

ChatGPT and Claude, two LLM Generative AI platforms, were used to brainstorm potential guide and page titles, generate possible page outlines, and condense body text. All outputs were reviewed, verified, and edited by humans.