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Generative AI for Library Research

Prompts

Creating effective prompts is crucial when interacting with generative AI like ChatGPT.

Here's a list that may help:

  • Be Specific and Detailed: Clearly state what you need. The more specific you are, the better the AI can understand and respond to your request.
  • Set the Context: Provide relevant background information. This is especially important if your question or request builds upon previously known information or a specific scenario.
  • Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the AI. Clear and simple language often yields the best results.
  • State Your Intentions: If you have a specific goal in mind (like seeking an explanation, creating an image, writing a story, etc.), state it explicitly in your prompt.
  • Sequence Your Questions or Requests Logically: If you have multiple questions or requests, order them logically. This helps the AI understand the flow of your thoughts.
  • Provide Examples When Necessary: If you're looking for something specific (like a style of writing, type of image, etc.), providing an example can guide the AI more effectively.
  • Avoid Ambiguity: Try to phrase your prompts in a way that minimizes ambiguity. The clearer your question, the more accurate the AI's response is likely to be.
  • Use Open-ended Questions for Creative Tasks: When looking for creative input, open-ended questions can encourage more imaginative and expansive responses.
  • Be Aware of Limitations: Understand that AI has limitations and might not always provide perfect or complete answers. Adjust your expectations accordingly.
  • Provide Feedback or Corrections: If the AI's response isn't quite what you were looking for, don't hesitate to provide feedback or corrections. This helps in refining the responses for future interactions.

Remember, the effectiveness of your interaction with AI largely depends on how well you communicate your needs and intentions through your prompts.

*OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT4 (April 11 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat