AI Tools for Literature Search
The rapidly expanding market of AI applications offers numerous tools for literature search. These AI tools can be useful additions to traditional library research tools such as the library catalog and library databases.
Before using AI tools, we recommend reviewing the white paper, Empfehlungs- und Impulspapier zum richtigen Umgang mit generativen KI-Tools (German language-only), authored by a working group of experts from various Frankfurt UAS departments.
Unlike newer ChatGTP versions, ChatGPT 3.5 free version is a text generating tool with a knowledge cutoff date of January 2022. With this knowledge cutoff date, ChatGPT 3.5 is not a suitable literature search tool. ChatGTP 3.5 can be prompted to create lists of literature citations on various topics. However, these citations are generated by ChatGTP 3.5 and frequently are not real. ChatGTP generates the nonexistent citations by probability-based “hallucinations.”
ChatGPT 3.5 can be used to generate search terms. The following is an example of how to prompt ChatGPT 3.5 to generate a list of search terms:
I need search terms for a literature search on [research topic]. Please first identify the keywords of my research topic. Then find synonyms and related terms for each keyword and place these in a table.
If you would also like sources in other languages, you can use ChatGPT or other translation tools such as Deepl to translate the keywords.
Keep in mind that the generated keyword lists are not comprehensive and could be off topic. You should always review the generated content and edit it as necessary.
See our list of AI Tools (German language-only) which provides an overview of several tools that you can use to perform a literature search. These AI tools use different search methods and provide the results as either a list or a graph. When using these tools for research, keep in mind the following:
- Each AI tool has a different knowledge base and the contents of these knowledge bases are generally not disclosed.
- In addition, AI tool providers often do not disclose if they derive their content from fee-based, subject-specific databases. Therefore, if you use AI tools for a literature search, we recommend that you also use library databases.
- Many AI tools do not include German-language sources. Therefore, German-language research content is not well represented in most AI tools.
- The sources are not vetted. Therefore, you should check these sources for accuracy and determine if they are appropriate for use as citable content.
- Many AI tool providers limit the functionality of their free AI applications. In order to gain access to their AI tools with full functionality, these providers generally require you to purchase credits or a subscription.
- The data privacy policies of most AI tool providers are generally not transparent. In addition, AI tool providers may not abide by EU data privacy policies as their servers are often outside of the EU.
We will gladly come to your class to discuss the many possibilities of literature searching using AI tools. We will tailor the instruction session to the topic of your course and will cover literature search examples using a variety of AI tools.
We also offer individual AI literature search consultations.
To schedule instruction sessions or consultations, contact us at schulungsteam(at)bibl.fra-uas.de.