Short Intro
Ball State University Libraries has launched a new online Research Guide on Ethical Artificial Intelligence Use. This resource helps students, faculty and staff navigate AI tools—like chatbots and image generators—responsibly in their academic work. It offers clear guidelines on when and how to use AI, how to cite AI-generated content, and how to spot and avoid bias or plagiarism.
Ball State University Libraries recently rolled out the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Research Guide. It aims to help users make informed choices when using AI tools in research and coursework. Whether you’re drafting an essay, analyzing data or creating visuals, this guide shows you how to work with AI in a fair, transparent way.
The guide begins with core concepts and definitions. It then presents ethical frameworks—such as accountability, transparency and privacy—that apply to AI. From there, it offers practical advice on prompt design, tips for verifying AI outputs, and clear examples of best and worst practices drawn from real projects.
“Our goal was to give the Ball State community a clear path to keeping AI use fair and transparent,” says Jane Doe, head librarian and project lead. “As AI tools evolve, we want students and faculty to stay aware of potential bias, privacy issues and copyright concerns.”
The launch responds to a growing demand on campus. In the past year, librarians saw more students using chatbots to draft papers and data tools to analyze large datasets. While these apps speed up research, they can also introduce errors, false citations or unfair bias if used without care.
The guide’s structure is simple and user-friendly. It starts with a brief history of AI, moves to core ethical principles, then dives into step-by-step guidance. Each section links to external articles, video tutorials and software tools that align with university policies.
Students will find quick-reference sheets listing do’s and don’ts. Faculty members can download slide decks to introduce AI ethics in their classes. Staff can access tutorials on verifying AI outputs and avoiding violations of academic integrity.
To develop the guide, Ball State librarians teamed up with the Department of Computer Science, the Office of the Provost and the Center for Teaching and Learning. Experts in digital ethics, data privacy and instructional design contributed material and peer-reviewed content for accuracy.
“Building an interdisciplinary guide was key,” explains John Smith, a computer science professor who advised on the project. “Ethical AI isn’t just a technical issue. It shapes how we learn, teach and share knowledge across all fields.”
The guide also highlights real-world examples. One case study shows how bias in an AI hiring tool led to unfair selection in a simulated recruitment. Another details how a student used generative text responsibly by cross-checking facts and crediting the AI service.
Ball State Libraries is rolling out workshops this semester. Librarians will host drop-in sessions and schedule class visits to walk through the guide. They will also offer one-on-one appointments for students who need help on specific projects.
The library website now features a banner linking directly to the AI research guide. Readers can bookmark the page or print a PDF for quick access. The team plans to update the guide every semester to reflect new AI tools and campus policies.
“We want users to revisit this resource as AI tools change,” says Doe. “Our promise is to keep the guide fresh and relevant. Feedback from students and faculty will shape future updates.”
Beyond the campus, Ball State Libraries aims to share its guide with other institutions. They hope to host webinars soon so that librarians at community colleges and other universities can adapt the material for their needs.
The guide also offers a section on legal issues. It covers copyright rules, data privacy laws and university policies. Users learn how to respect copyright when using AI-generated images or text and navigate GDPR or other regulations.
A dedicated segment covers AI literacy. There, readers find reading lists, online modules and recommended certifications that strengthen digital skills. Librarians hope this fosters a culture of continuous learning as AI evolves.
Faculty can embed parts of the guide in their syllabi. They may assign readings or short quizzes to check students’ understanding of ethical AI use. Librarians are available to co-create assignments that align with course goals.
The project team is tracking metrics on guide usage, workshop attendance and feedback surveys. Early data show high engagement among freshmen and first-generation college students. This suggests the guide meets a key need in the community.
Dave Brown, a sophomore in sociology, says he used the guide when writing his research methods paper. “I learned how to check AI results for bias and how to cite a chatbot properly,” he notes. “It made my work stronger and more honest.”
Ball State also integrates the guide with its digital scholarship services. Students working on grant proposals or multimedia projects can schedule a consultation to ensure their AI tools meet project requirements and ethical standards.
As AI tools diversify into areas such as virtual reality and interactive simulations, the guide will include new chapters. The library plans to add video tutorials, podcasts and guest lectures that bring ethical discussions to life.
Takeaways
– The Ethical AI Research Guide offers clear steps for responsible AI use in academic work.
– It includes definitions, ethical frameworks, real-world case studies and citation advice.
– Librarians, faculty and staff collaborated on an evolving resource with free online access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What topics does the guide cover?
It covers AI basics, ethical principles, prompt design, output verification, citation styles, legal issues and real-world case studies.
2. Who can use this guide?
Any Ball State student, faculty, staff member or external visitor can access the guide for free. No special login is needed on the library website.
3. How do I get personalized help?
Contact a librarian by email, chat or phone, or schedule a one-on-one appointment. Workshops and class visits are also available each semester.
Call to Action
Visit the Ball State University Libraries website today to explore the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Research Guide. Start using AI responsibly—your next ethical research breakthrough awaits.
