Ethical AI and Librarianship

A Resource Guide

Home
Overview
Resources
Bibliography

A Place Called Vertigo: A Skeptic’s Guide to AI, Large Language Models, and Research Libraries

Field
    		Description
    Title A Place Called Vertigo: A Skeptic’s Guide to AI, Large Language Models, and Research Libraries
    Type Videos
    Creator Alexander J. Carroll
    Link
    Creation Date 08/14/2024
    Last Updated Date --
    Summary This is a video recording of a webinar hosted by the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) featuring Alexander J. Carroll, Associate Director of the Science and Engineering Library (SEL) at Vanderbilt University. Speaking from a tech skepticism perspective, Carroll outlines both limitations and the instructional opportunities of using AI tools, specifically large language models (LLMs), in library settings. The resource may be relevant to academic librarians who feel uncertain about AI technologies or are seeking effective ways to integrate them into information literacy instruction. Key points include:
    1. AI tools pose a risk of hallucinations, inaccuracies, and a false sense of authority due to the probabilistic nature of LLMs and their lack of true semantic understanding.
    2. Carroll identifies five limitations of ChatGPT “Incomplete, Inconsistent, Incoherent, Illogical, and Indulgent” and connects these flaws with the CRAAP test used in information literacy instruction (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose).
    3. Rather than banning AI, Carroll suggests using it as a tool for lateral reading in information literacy instruction, encouraging students to compare AI-generated claims against authoritative sources to reveal hallucinations.
    4. While AI tools can be intimidating, Carroll emphasizes that librarians can harness their power effectively when combined with critical judgment and human oversight.
    The video is freely and openly viewable through web browsers (with auto-generated transcripts).
    Topic Ethical AI. Libraries. AI and librarianship.
    Source and Link ASERL (Association of Southeastern Research Libraries). https://www.aserl.org
    Access Open.
    Accessibility Auto-generated transcripts available
    Audience Librarian – Academic.
    Platform or Format Web -Vimeo. PDF.
    Length 00:59:42
    Geography USA
    Language ENG
    Description Date 06/26/2025

    Ethical AI and Librarianship: A Resource Guide

    Home
    Overview
    Resources
    Bibliography