The Library and Information Technology program recognizes the presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) in both academic and professional settings. This policy outlines our expectations of students concerning AI use.
Also known as Generative AI, for the purposes of this course, ‘generative AI’ includes but is not limited to tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, DALL-E, and similar large language models or text generators.
Students who use AI/LLMs are expected to understand how to use these tools responsibly and ethically, adhering to college and program expectations around academic integrity and plagiarism. It’s also important to educate yourself on the capabilities and shortcomings of AI tools.
The use and application of AI and LLMs in coursework/assignments will be dependent on the instructor teaching the course. Your instructor will provide more information about the use of AI/LLM specific to their course. If there is any lack of clarity around course AI policy, it is your responsibility to check with the instructor and ensure that you understand.
Some general and overarching guidelines
The following uses of AI are generally permitted:
- Tweaking grammar and spelling
- Assisting with brainstorming
- Creating first versions of citations in MLA, APA and other citation styles
What is not permitted:
- The use of AI to write assignment content will be viewed as plagiarism and will be investigated accordingly, with potential penalties as outlined in the college’s Academic Integrity policy. Penalties range from a reduced grade to being reported for academic misconduct.
- “Writing assignment content” includes, but is not limited to:
- Summarizing
- Annotating
- Writing full drafts or significant portions of assignments
- Solving complex problems without showing original work and reasoning
- Analyzing and evaluating information sources, texts or data
- Reflecting on assignments, course content, etc.
- Creating catalogue records
- Classifying materials/performing subject analysis
- Creating library programming (Including storytimes, readers’ advisory programs, and other programming for all types of library user)
The above section outlines general program guidelines, serving to guide students during your time in the Library and Information Technology program. However, these guidelines are overridden by any more stringent expectations adopted by individual instructors. Please always check with your instructor to ascertain what is expected of you in a given course where AI use is concerned.
By developing your writing and analytical skills without AI assistance, you’ll be better prepared for future academic and professional challenges where original thinking and clear communication are crucial. Your future employer will require that you be able to employ your skills independent of and without reliance on AI. In both the academic and professional contexts, the goal is not simply to produce a finished product, but to engage in the learning process that comes from wrestling with ideas and crafting your own arguments so as to be better prepared for meeting with those or similar ideas and situations in the future.
Ethical Use of AI in Coursework
If you feel that your use of AI for an assignment is within the spirit of the requirement that you write all assignment content yourself, be sure to follow the requirements below to make clear how you’ve used AI in your work:
- Disclosure: Clearly disclose any use of AI tools in the submitted work, specifying which parts were AI-assisted and how. Be prepared to submit a transcript of your AI interactions at your instructor’s request.
- Critical evaluation: You must demonstrate critical evaluation of any AI-generated content, including fact-checking and independent verification.
- Substantial original contribution: The work must be your original thinking and writing, drawing on existing scholarship where appropriate.
The department employs various methods to detect unauthorized use of AI in student submissions. These may include, but are not limited to: AI detection software, comparison with previous work, in-class writing samples, technical indicators, and oral follow-up to verify understanding and authorship.
Accessibility
Students with concerns about how this policy might affect their use of assistive technologies should contact the instructor and/or Accessibility Services.
Support
If you’re struggling with an assignment, please reach out to your instructor or visit the Writing Centre for support.
As AI technology continues to evolve, this policy may be updated. Any changes will be clearly communicated to all students.
Updated April 28, 2026