AI services of the University Library
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AI tools for literature research
The library's training team keeps track of current AI tools for literature research.
Research tools: These tools allow you to search using search terms.
Semantic Scholar (login with UniAccount)
Semantic Scholar offers access to freely available, licensed and partly also unlicensed scientific full-text articles. Searches are carried out using keywords; it is not possible to search by research question. Citations, references and thematically similar articles are also displayed. When using the library, it is indicated whether a paper cites other titles in the library or is itself cited by them.
Note: The sources are automatically indexed using crawlers. This means that articles from so-called predatory journals may also be included. A check using other verification tools (e.g. DOAJ blacklist) is therefore recommended.
For some Open Access publications, for example from arXiv, the Semantic Reader is available, which enables computer-aided text analysis.
ORKG Ask
After entering a research question on the CORE database (80 million open access publications),ORKG Ask generates a tabular overview of the 5 most important publications. The existing columns (Answers, Insights, TL;DR, Conclusions, Results) can be expanded to include additional columns. The research question cannot be refined. The tool is not suitable for metadata queries and author searches. The user query is followed by a semantic search, information extraction (LLM) and the output of filtered results. Bibliographies can be created via a login (free account). The tool is multilingual. The focus of the sources is on STEM subjects.
Perplexity
Perplexity answers a research question through a web search and returns web sources or hits in Semantic Scholar.
In incognito mode, threads are not saved and are automatically deleted after 24 hours.
Research tools: These tools can be used to find thematically related publications and display them in knowledge maps.
Inciteful
Inciteful creates thematic networks of publications (selected or uploaded). Based on this, the tool shows other similar titles on the topic or scientists researching on this topic. In addition, further metrics are displayed, which can be used to find further literature on the selected topic. The tool has its own Zotero plug-in, which can be used to search directly from Zotero.
Open Knowledge Maps
After entering keywords,Open Knowledge Maps generates so-called knowledge maps, which are visually reminiscent of intersections in set theory and in which 100 of the most relevant results are sorted by subject area. The aim is to provide an overview of the most important sub-areas of a topic, whereby initial documents are also displayed. Open Access titles are clearly displayed, and in some cases PDFs are also attached. If this is not the case, a DOI refers to the original source. If the tool refers to a fee-based platform, only one article can be referenced. Citation aids for the most common English-language citation styles are available. The tool's result lists can be filtered by publication type (OA or not) or sorted by relevance, year of publication, author or title. There is also a search option within the results lists.
When using AI tools, data protection and copyright laws must be observed!
AI projects in libraries
Libraries are also exploring the potential of using AI in library background work beyond literature research. The following projects illustrate the many ways in which AI is already being tested and used in libraries.
BibKI - a chatbot for libraries
The AI-supported chatbot BibKI was developed by the KIT library. It helps users with questions about services, opening hours, etc. The virtual assistant relieves the information desk, makes information about the library more quickly accessible and thus creates low-threshold access to frequently required content. BibKI will also soon be available on the UB/LMB Kassel website.
ORKG Ask
In 2024, TIB Hannover launched ORKG Ask, a service that uses language models, semantic searches and the Open Research Knowledge Graph to provide answers to research questions. This gives researchers quick access to findings from over 80 million scientific publications and enables them to explore complex topics more efficiently.
Automatic content indexing with AI (German National Library)
The DNB tests and operates machine learning methods for the automatic assignment of keywords and notations, including with the open source software Annif. The aim is to significantly increase the quality and efficiency of content indexing and to transfer this into library practice. This makes sources (books, journal articles, websites and others) easier to find.
B!SON - Open Access Journal Recommendation (TIB Hannover & SLUB Dresden)
B!SON is a library recommendation service that uses semantic and bibliometric methods to suggest suitable Open Access journals for the title/abstract/references of a manuscript. The freely usable service is operated by TIB and SLUB. It helps authors who would like to publish open access to find alternatives to closed access journals.
FAQ
Perhaps better: The use depends on your subject. Consult your teacher and, if necessary, check the guidelines and examination regulations.
Check the course documents (seminar plan, examination modalities, Moodle) and, if in doubt, ask for a short written permission/rule. You can use the university's notes on the use of AI as background information.
First of all, you should always prepare and carry out your own systematic literature search. AI can support you in generating search terms or an initial orientation search, especially in the area of open access publications or in the thematic search for related publications. Subject databases or the library catalog should continue to be your preferred research tools for a scientific literature search.
Text summaries with AI can accompany academic work, but do not replace literature work. Take a close look at literature sources. Then you can check, classify and evaluate text summaries with AI.
References from generative tools are often incomplete or fictitious ("hallucinations"). Verify every citation in KARLA or in licensed databases - if you are unsure, the University Library Advisory Service can help you.
AI can help with structuring notes, rewriting abstracts or deriving keywords - but you still need to import and maintain the bibliographic data correctly. The University Library offers access and consultation hours, Citavi is available via campus license.
Citavi version 7.0 offers an AI assistant. This supports literature searches in Semantic Scholar and provides text summaries. The following also applies here: Literature sources and text summaries must be checked. Editing literature sources with AI in a reference management program requires a check of the copyright regulations. If you have any questions, please contact the Citavi team at Kassel University Library.
Yes, regularly - from search strategies and databases to Citavi/Zotero and thematic introductions (incl. AI-related). Dates can be found in the UB course program.
You can use AI-supported text editing via the university-wide ChatAI service.
The first points of contact are the service counters and the subject librarians; you are also welcome to book an individual "Meet an expert" consultation. Contact details and appointment booking can be found on the UB website.
Do not upload any personal, examination-relevant or copyrighted texts to AI services without reflection and observe their terms of use. The information sheet on scientific ethics & data protection and the data protection pages of the University of Kassel provide guidance.
Document transparently what you have used AI for (e.g. brainstorming, language smoothing) - for example in the methodology, footnote or acknowledgements - and adhere to the requirements of your subject. The university guidelines on the use of AI and general recommendations for universities are helpful.
No - this is scientific misconduct and can be sanctioned; there are clear guidelines on this at the University of Kassel. The basis for correct work is the DFG Code of Good Scientific Practice.