Library AI Statement
Our AI statement is designed to reassure our users, help our suppliers to develop appropriate products and services and guide our staff with regard to our approach to AI.
The University of Sheffield library plays a key role in facilitating access to, and guiding responsible use of, reliable information. As such we recognise both the opportunities and challenges that the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) present to our users for both learning and teaching and research. Our AI statement is designed to reassure our users, help our suppliers to develop appropriate products and services and guide our staff with regard to our approach to AI.
Our Ambition
The library embraces the opportunities presented by AI, including generative AI, while upholding the University's commitment to ethical and responsible innovation in research and education. Our aim is to cultivate innovation while acting responsibly.
AI, particularly generative AI, has the capacity to significantly enhance research, teaching, and learning. The Library acknowledges the potential benefits of these technologies, including: improved access to Information, streamlined research processes & enhanced learning and teaching.
Our Values
While acknowledging the benefits of AI, the Library is acutely aware of the ethical considerations and potential challenges associated with its use including: data protection issues, copyright infringement risks, digital exclusion, bias and environmental impact. Our use of AI will be guided by our core values and principles including: transparency and explainability, academic integrity and equity of access.
Our Commitment
The Library is committed to providing resources and support to students and staff to navigate the evolving landscape of AI through: leading on critical AI literacy development, providing guidance and best practice examples and supporting the critical evaluation of AI tools in the field of information services. We aim to foster an environment that embraces the responsible and ethical use of AI to advance knowledge, enhance the student experience, and support the University's research mission. We will continue to adapt and evolve our services and support in response to this rapidly changing field, working in partnership with students, staff, suppliers and the wider research and learning and teaching community.