AI and information literacy

Before you start

Students- be sure to check with your instructor before using AI tools for any course assignments. Your instructor may also have a specific way they would like you to cite AI-produced content.

All citation styles treat citation for AI content differently, so it is important to use a support resource that is specific to the style you need (MLA, APA, etc). 

Why should I cite AI content?

Citations tell your reader where your information came from and how you used it in your work. If you use content created by a tool like ChatGPT, including it in your works cited - as you would with any other source - is required. If you use AI to help write or structure your paper, even if you do not otherwise quote or paraphrase its content, it is good practice to acknowledge your use as well. This provides transparency to your reader.

However, content generated by AI may not be retrievable by another user, even if the same prompt language is used. Consider copying and pasting your AI conversation as an appendix, or at least retaining it should your audience need to see it. 

We are still learning how to ethically use and cite generative AI resources. As such, err on the side of transparency if you use one. Here are some ideas for citing generative AI responsibly:

• Tell your audience which AI tool(s) you used 
• Save a transcript or a screenshot of your chat. Make it available to or retrievable by your reader, possibly by including it as an appendix or linking to it elsewhere in your work.
• Describe the prompt that generated the specific AI response.
• Include the date when the response was generated or date of access. This is important as these tools will update regularly.
• Acknowledge how you used the tool. You can do this even if you only use generative AI to plan your paper or generate ideas and don't include any of its generated content.

If you want to use material that was generated by AI whether that is text or an image or some other content:

• Make sure you are using the material ethically and in line with any classroom policies your instructor has given you.  This guide from UC San Diego gives you some excellent things to think about regarding AI and Academic Integrity.
• Make sure you've fact-checked any assertions the AI text is making and verified any sources that it references.  AI tools do not always share accurate information or viable sources.
• Cite the material properly according to the citation format that you are using for your project:
  • Citing AI in MLA format
  • Citing AI in APA format
  • Citing AI in Chicago style
  • If you are not using one of these standard citation formats, ask a librarian or your instructor for guidance.  Remember, the goal of citation is to communicate with clarity about the source of information so it is important to provide a citation even though copyright does not apply.