AI @ Reed Library
Reed Library supports critical, ethical use of AI in academic research and source evaluation, including guidance on academic integrity and scholarly tools.
We know AI is everywhere now, and we're here to help you navigate it thoughtfully in your academic work.
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AI Literacy Guide – Learn what AI can realistically do for research (and where it falls short), plus tips for evaluating what it tells you.
AI Literacy Guide
How to Cite AI – Find citation formats for AI tools and outputs in APA, MLA, Chicago, and IEEE styles.
How to Cite AI
AI Research Tools – Learn about free AI-powered research tools that supplement the traditional resource discovery process.
AI Research Tools
Talk to a Librarian – Visit the Research & Info Desk or schedule time with us for help with search strategies, source verification, or just figuring out if AI makes sense for your project.
Book a research appointment
Your Instructor's Policy Comes First
Every instructor gets to decide how (or if) AI can be used in their course. Check your syllabus and assignment instructions first. When in doubt, ask your instructor directly.
How We Can Help
Whether you're trying to figure out if AI fits your research project or determining how to cite it properly, we're here for you. We can help you:
- Understand when AI might be useful (and when it's not)
- Verify AI-generated claims and spot biases
- Find verified scholarly sources to support your arguments
- Write proper citations and disclosure statements
A Few Important Warnings
Guard Your Privacy: Keep personal information, unpublished research, and any FERPA-protected data out of consumer AI tools. Once it's in there, you can't control where it goes.
Sources Matter: AI can help you brainstorm and explore ideas, but it's not a replacement for peer-reviewed articles or primary sources. Think of AI outputs as starting points that need verification, not endpoints you can cite.
Protect Library Resources: The Library licenses content from publishers and database vendors. Some content from licensed Library e-resources cannot be used with AI technologies, including copy and pasting content into generative AI tools like ChatGPT, unless the vendor expressly permits it. Doing so could compromise access for everyone. For more information, see our FAQ page here.
Document Your Process
If you do use AI tools, keep track of it. Note which tools you used, when you used them, and what you used them for. Many disciplines now expect (or require) disclosure of AI use in research and writing. Being transparent about your process protects your academic integrity and helps others understand your methodology.
Campus Resources
Fort Lewis College has developed institution-wide guidance on AI use:
Questions?
Stop by the Research & Info desk, book an appointment, or contact your liaison librarian. We're figuring this out together, and we're here to help you use these tools responsibly and effectively.