AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT are trained on vast, varied collections of internet content that may not be credible or reliable. Database AI tools analyze only their own verified content (most use the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture), so results are more accurate and less likely to hallucinate.
Using AI tools within a database also ensures that the materials it retrieves are available and real. While you will still need to review the results to ensure they apply to your topic, you can eliminate the step of verifying if a citation is real, a step that is necessary if you were to use a generative AI tool on the internet.
AI may not include shorter articles in its models. Databases like EBSCOhost and ProQuest’s AI tools will not search articles with fewer than 150 words.
Some publishers have opted out of AI indexing. You run the risk of missing relevant information if you limit your entire search to only those articles being used with a database AI tool.
Not all databases have the same AI capabilities. And, not every database has the same collection of resources. Consider starting your research using an AI database tool. Use it to gather key terms and summarize documents, helping you revise your topic and search. Then use other databases to expand your search to make your research more comprehensive.
Continually review and confirm that AI-generated summaries match the source. These AI tools are evolving and are not infallible. Always verify your sources and content.
Consider downloading your conversations. Most databases will not automatically save your AI conversations.
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Have a question or need help?
| Database/AI Tool | Key Features | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| ProQuest One / Research Assistant |
|
After you open an article in any ProQuest One database, the Research Assistant appears in the box beside the full-text article |
| EBSCOhost / AI Insights |
|
AI Insights are available on the results page in EBSCOhost databases when AI Insights is enabled. Toggle the Natural language search button located under the search box to "on" to enable it. |
| IBISWorld |
|
Within an industry report in IBISWorld, select the Paragraph Analysis toggle wherever it is available. |
| JSTOR / AI Research |
|
Create an account within JSTOR and perform a search. Access to its AI Research tool is then available when viewing articles. |
| Nursing@Ovid / AI Article Summary |
|
Click the AI Article Summary Beta link when available within Nursing@Ovid. |
| Oxford Academic / AI Discovery Assistant |
|
Click the link to the AI Discovery Assistant located at the top of the homepage to open the natural language search box. |
| Oxford English Dictionary (OED) / AI Search Assistant |
|
Click the link to the AI Search Assistant located at the top of the homepage to open the natural language search box. |
This guide explains how to locate and use library databases that include built-in AI tools to enhance your research. The development and effectiveness of generative AI tools is advancing at an eye-popping rate, and the tools listed in this guide will evolve accordingly. This guide provides a helpful overview of available tools, and as new resources continue to emerge, you may discover even more options beyond those highlighted here.
AI tools in databases should not:
Visit the University of Phoenix's Center for AI Resources, a hub for foundational knowledge and tools to understand AI, including ethical guidelines and uses in the academic environment.
