ChatGPT: Unleashing the Power of Conversational AI for Library Reference Services

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2024.vol9.1.375

Abstract

Purpose-Explore the impact of AI and ChatGPT on library information services; Design/methodology/approach-A sample of twenty-two reference questions are fed to ChatGPT and the answers are evaluated for quality and accuracy; Findings-ChatGPT are excellent in information retrieval in some areas, but it is not comparable to a reference librarian in others; Research limitations/implications-The findings may not be conclusive due to small sample size; Practical implications-Understand AI and ChatGPT and their behavior; Social implications -The knowledge from the study can assist librarians to adjust their services to better serve users; Originality/value-No research has been done in this area.

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Author Biography

  • Sharon Q. Yang, Rider University

    Dr. Sharon Q. Yang works for Rider University Libraries as a System Librarian-Professor. She graduated from the School of Library Services at Columbia University with an MS in 1986 and received her doctoral degree in 1997.  Her research interests include library systems, discovery services, Semantic Web, Altmetrics, and information services. Dr. Yang has won several research awards and presented at national/international conferences. She has served twice as a Fulbright scholar and is currently participating in the Fulbright Senior Specialist Program from 2016 to 2023.

References

Bates, M. E. (2023). Will We Be Replaced by Chatbots? Information Today/Online Searchers, 42(2) https://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/mar23/Bates--Will-We-Be-Replaced-by-Chatbots.shtml

Bohyun, K. (2023). Technology & Power. Computers in Libraries, 43(6), 41-42. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=164645583&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Chen, X. (2023). ChatGPT and Its Possible Impact on Library Reference Services. Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 27(2), 121-129. 10.1080/10875301.2023.2181262

Hu, K. (2023). ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base - analyst note. (). https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01/

OpenAI. (2022, November 30,). ChatGPT . ChatGPT 3.5. Retrieved 7/26/2023, from https://chat.openai.com/

Teel, Z., Wang, T., & Lund, B. (2023). ChatGPT conundrums: Probing plagiarism and parroting problems in higher education practices. College & Research Libraries News, 84(6), 205-208. 10.5860/crln.84.6.205

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Published

2024-04-29

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Reports From the Field

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Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Librarianship

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How to Cite

ChatGPT: Unleashing the Power of Conversational AI for Library Reference Services. (2024). International Journal of Librarianship, 9(1), 109-115. https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2024.vol9.1.375