AI Literacy

At the start of the semester, one university professor realized his traditional first assignment—a typical research essay—would no longer work as planned. With AI tools like ChatGPT readily available, it has become too easy for students to generate polished but shallow responses in minutes. The professor didn’t want to scrap the assignment altogether, but he knew he needed to rethink how to prepare students for a learning environment where AI was unavoidable.

With help from a campus librarian, this professor discovered the AI literacy resources available through NC LIVE. Learning modules, discussion guides, and AI tools within databases can help all library users navigate this emerging technology. The professor decided to weave these resources into class discussions, giving students concrete strategies for how to evaluate AI outputs, how to integrate AI thoughtfully into their research, and how to build the critical thinking skills that AI cannot replace.

“I believe AI will continue to become more relevant in our learning institutions, libraries included,” said a public librarian. “AI can assist patrons in finding materials and understanding their contents. I know NC LIVE, through its reach, can be at the forefront of developing and implementing the rollout of this technology.”

Behind the scenes, NC LIVE works with vendors to negotiate AI-enhanced settings in popular databases, ensuring that colleges and universities across North Carolina have access to the best possible tools at a sustainable cost. The NC LIVE Task Force on AI also investigates emerging tools and their implications in library collections so that North Carolina’s educators can always be up-to-date.

“I am planning a meeting for our team to discuss our library's AI plan of action, and [NC LIVE] is an amazing resource,” said Sherrill Shiraz, Systems and Digital Resources Librarian at Queens University of Charlotte.

By supporting NC LIVE, you ensure that educators across North Carolina have the resources they need to adapt their teaching, prepare students for an AI-shaped future, and keep our learners one step ahead of change.