← Back to workshop
Before you begin
Pick your AI tool
This course works in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Microsoft 365 Copilot. Use the one your library has chosen for the workshop. You need chat, file upload, and—for Module 2—web search or a longer-running research mode.
Shared capability map
| Course term | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Project or notebook | A persistent space for chats, files, and instructions |
| Standing brief | Project instructions, notebook instructions, knowledge, or an uploaded file |
| Quick web search | A current answer with links for a narrow fact |
| Research mode | A multi-step search with a plan, activity view, or cited report |
| Connected source | Optional access to drives, email, or organizational content |
The five checks before every task
- 1. Purpose: What research decision or deliverable will this support?
- 2. Data: Is every file de-identified, necessary, and approved for this system?
- 3. Sources: Can the tool use uploads, the web, or connected services? Which are actually needed?
- 4. Review: Who will verify citations, calculations, search syntax, and claims?
- 5. Closure: What will be exported, retained, disconnected, or deleted?
Never use real patron data in these exercises. The workshop files are simulated and de-identified. Keep email, drives, calendars, and institutional repositories disconnected unless your facilitator confirms an approved training environment.