Conference: 2024 ALA (American Library Association) Annual Conference and Exhibition, San Diego, CA, June 27-July 2, 2024
Website: https://2024.alaannual.org/
Abstract: Generative AI tools, including ChatGPT and Google Bard, are transforming information seeking and use, offering both challenges and opportunities in library instruction and services. A critical question emerges: How effectively can these tools respond to reference and research inquiries in the STEM field? To address this, we assess the capabilities of ChatGPT and Google Bard by analyzing their responses to actual reference and instructional questions commonly encountered in STEM disciplines, such as:
- Finding synthesis route of a chemical with commercially available starting materials
- Finding physical properties of chemicals
- Finding spectra of chemicals
- Finding chemical safety information
- Finding protein and ligands structures related to a disease
- Finding patents based on a structure
The results of this study will enrich our understanding of the appropriate scenarios for integrating, supplementing, or refraining from using generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard in STEM education, research, and reference services. This knowledge is crucial for maximizing their potential while mitigating any limitations in these specialized fields.
