How to use artificial intelligence in information searching

Using AI for information searching is a slow and demanding process that requires good language skills, expertise and critical evaluation on the part of the user. AI is not a search engine! Conversational AI cannot be used as a source of information.

Conversational AI (e.g. ChatGPT) can be used at the beginning of the information retrieval process

• for orientation on a topic
• for topic brainstorming and formulation
• for brainstorming search terms.

Academic information retrieval tools can be used to find articles, but they are not a substitute for conventional library databases and electronic resources.

Further guidance on planning your search, evaluating sources and the reliability of online information can be found in our library guide "How to find information".

• AI works best in cooperation with humans as a so-called augmented intelligence. AI can assist you in the information search process.
• AI is not a search engine.
  • AI makes use of the open online information sources. It does not have access to full-text resources behind paywalls. For example, to licensed e-resources acquired by a library.
  • AI is hallucinating, i.e. inventing sources of information that do not really exist. That is why we recommend checking the sources. If you want to be sure of the reliability of the sources, use library's electronic resources and databases. You can find them by using SeAMK-Finna.
  • AI is not necessarily trained with current knowledge. It may only have access to older information.
  • English conversation and prompts are better for finding information.
• AI search algorithms are not public, so it is difficult to know what the search result is based on.
• AI can provide new perspectives and interdisciplinary information, which is a positive. However, AI also often embellishes and explains things in the best possible way.
• Stay critical. AI can present opinions and biases.
•  It is worth trying several AI tools and not just relying on the answers provided by one. AI can give different answers to the same question at different times and for different users.
• AI can also be integrated into conventional databases. AI features are constantly being developed for online services and electronic resources. In the future, the use of AI in e-resources is likely to increase.

Read more about the responsible use of AI.