Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way students approach research. Students are increasingly using Generative AI[1] tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Deep Seek to find academic sources, answer research queries, and generate recommendations. While AI can be a valuable assistant, it also presents challenges—particularly when it comes to verifying the accuracy and legitimacy of the information it provides.
Academic libraries have encountered several instances where students relied on generative AI tools for research assistance. These experiences highlight both the potential and the pitfalls of AI in academic settings. In this post, I will share real-life examples from academic libraries, discuss concerns about AI-generated sources, and provide ethical guidelines for using AI in research.
[1] Generative AI, sometimes called gen AI, is artificial intelligence (AI) that can create original content—such as text, images, video, audio or software code—in response to a user’s prompt or request.
ChatGPT in Action: Student Research Challenges
Episode 1: The Case of the Missing Articles
A student approached the library staff seeking access to a list of articles on Middle East studies. However, when the librarian searched for the first article in the library catalogue, no results appeared. The student’s list only included the article titles and authors, so the librarian asked for more reference details, such as journal names or publication years.
The student, instead of consulting academic databases, they turned to an AI tool—right in front of the librarian—to ask where the articles were published. The AI tool generated a list of legitimate Middle East studies journals, but upon checking their websites, found no trace of the articles listed. After further verification, it was concluded that the articles did not exist.
This raised an important concern: the AI tool, though confident in its responses, had fabricated sources. The student, unaware of this possibility, had trusted AI-generated references without cross-checking them against academic databases.
Episode 2: The Unexpected Discovery
In another case, a student asked whether the university library had a specific book. Instead of searching the catalogue, they showed a screenshot of a ChatGPT conversation where the AI had recommended the title. This time, the book did exist—but to the student’s surprise, it comprised forty volumes.
This scenario highlighted a different challenge: students using AI for quick answers without exploring additional context. While the AI tool had provided a correct book title, it had not conveyed crucial details about its scope and structure.
The Bigger Questions: Why favour AI Over the Library Catalogue?
These encounters led us to reflect on why students might turn to ChatGPT instead of library resources:
- Library Catalogue Complexity
- Many students struggle with navigating library catalogues, understanding search filters, and using advanced search techniques. AI tools, by contrast, offer instant answers.
- Perceived AI Authority
- AI responses often sound authoritative, even when incorrect. Without full bibliographic details, students may not realise the limitations of AI-generated citations.
- Convenience and Speed
- Instead of learning how to search effectively, students may view AI as a shortcut—one that does not require refining keywords, filtering search results, or evaluating multiple sources.
While AI can be a helpful tool, it should not replace critical research skills. That is where librarians come in.
Ethical AI Use in Academic Research
One must use AI-generated content responsibly to maintain research integrity. Here are some ethical guidelines for students when incorporating AI into their research:
1. Use AI as a Guide, Not as a Source
AI can help generate ideas, summarise concepts, or suggest search strategies—but one should not use it as a primary research source. Always verify AI-generated citations in your institutes’ library catalogue or choose the academic databases from the library’s electronic resources page.
🔹 Tip: If AI suggests an article or book, cross-check it in official academic sources, and more importantly read it, before citing it.
2. Beware of Fabricated References
ChatGPT and similar AI tools sometimes generate false citations, listing non-existent books, articles, or authors. This is known as “hallucination” in AI models.
🔹 Tip: If you cannot find a source in a reputable academic database, it most likely does not exist. Consult librarians for verification.
3. Understand the Limitations of AI
AI tools do not have live access to academic journal databases. They generate responses based on patterns from their training data, which means they cannot retrieve paywalled journal articles or up-to-date research findings.
🔹 Tip: For verified access to sources, rely on our library search pages to find resources from Oxford Bibliographies Online, JSTOR, or access these databases from out library electronic resources pages.
4. AI Use and Transparency
If AI tools assist with research in any way—such as summarising articles, suggesting keywords, or structuring writing—students ought to acknowledge this in their work. If a large amount of text is copy and pasted from GenAI, it is important to cite this correctly. Higher education institutes are developing guidelines for acknowledging AI, so be informed of the IIS/ISMC advice on AI and academic integrity.
🔹 Tip: If unsure how to acknowledge AI-generated content, ask a librarian or refer to academic integrity guidelines.
5. Develop Strong Research Skills
Rather than depending on AI for research shortcuts, students should invest time in learning how to conduct thorough literature reviews, refine search strategies, and critically assess sources.
🔹 Tip: Attend library workshops or request one-on-one research consultations to improve search skills. Book your session here.
Conclusion: The Library as a Trusted Research Partner
AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a replacement for academic rigour, critical thinking, or the expertise of librarians. At the Aga Khan Library, we are committed to helping students navigate the evolving research landscape—offering guidance on literature searches, citation management, and ethical AI use.
Next time you have a research question, try searching the library catalogue first—or better yet, ask a librarian. We are here to help you find real, reliable academic sources that will strengthen your work.
Here are some useful resources to learn more about ethical AI use in academic research:
AI and Academic Integrity:
- COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) – Guidelines on ethical publishing and AI use.
- ICAI (International Centre for Academic Integrity) – Resources on academic integrity and responsible research practices.
- ARL (Association of Research Libraries) – Updates on AI and libraries.
AI in Research & Citation Guidelines:
- APA’s Guidance on AI Citations – How to properly cite AI-generated content in research.
- MLA’s Approach to AI and Writing – MLA citation recommendations for AI tools like ChatGPT.
Library and Research Tools:
- Aga Khan Library Research Guidance – Learn how to conduct proper academic research using trusted sources, book a session here.