Most major web search engines now integrate or at least offer generative AI tools as part of their search technologies and services. Library databases are following suit. Jstor, Gale, Ebsco and Proquest have either already introduced AI products or are planning on releasing them soon. Specialized databases like Statista and WGSN have launched AI assisted tools of their won.
It is important for students to understand how AI - especially generative AI - works in search. They may not easily be able to avoid using it AI when searching for information, but more than ever, they need to exercise critical thinking skill and be aware of what the best tools are and how they work.