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International Social Work (EN): AI and literature search

Libguide for students of the course International Social Work.

What can AI do?

AI can be a useful tool in education, both for students and teachers. However, the information provided by AI may contain errors, so it is important to verify the information given.

The most well-known AI tools at the moment are:

  • ChatGPT 3.5: A chat program trained on text sources available up to 2022. To use the program, you need to create an account.
  • Microsoft Copilot: An AI program developed by Microsoft based on ChatGPT technology. You can use a Microsoft account to access Copilot.
  • Mistral le chat: A Europe based AI alternative for the American AI tools ChatGPT and Copilot. 

When using AI...

Keep the following points in mind when using AI:

  • Verify your information: AI may give incorrect information or make use of false information. Therefore always check the source of the information
  • Be wary of information bias: AI is known to be sensitive for stereotyping and predudice, often at the cost of minority groups. Information may not be applicable to all situations.
  • Watch out for plagiarism: Don't let AI write your study projects, you remain responsible for anything you produce with the use of AI. If you use literal information produced by AI, always reference a source
  • Respect privacy: Don't share sensitive company or personal information. It is unknown how this information is used and safeguarded by AI programs.
  • Restrict data entry in AI: The more specific data you feed to AI, the more chance you have of accidentally feeding sensitive information or breaching any copyright laws.
  • AI uses a lot of energy: Large datacenters are needed in order for AI to function properly, which consumes a lot of energy. Therefore, use AI sparingly.

For more information on the use of AI specifically in information literacy see the different steps.

AI uses a lot of energy

Microsoft. (2025). Copilot. [AI assistent]. Retrieved at 6 october 2025, from copilot.microsoft.com