Moore Library News - HSL at University of Virginia-Claude Moore Health Sciences Library

One of the workshops, "Exploring How GenAI Fits into Your Work," is an interactive in-person event that provides an overview of popular Generative AI (GenAI) tools. Through small group discussions, participants will explore the application of these tools in their professional work, share ideas, discover new possibilities, and address any questions or concerns they may have.

HSL RDAS Team: David Martin, Brenna Kent, Andrea Denton

Another workshop, "Intro to GenAI and Coding," focuses on how GenAI can aid in data analysis tasks. The workshop is divided into two parts: the first half offers practical tips for using GenAI in coding, and the second half features a live demonstration of Copilot Chat for debugging R scripts. Participants receive prompts to follow along and practice during the session. This workshop is designed to provide practical skills and insights applicable to data analysis, accommodating both beginners in GenAI and R programming.

The workshop "Intro to GenAI and Literature Searching" is dedicated to exploring how GenAI can enhance scholarly literature searches. It covers the strengths and limitations of common GenAI tools, specifically those designed to find citations. Additionally, the workshop reviews tasks for which GenAI tools are appropriate or inappropriate in the literature search process. Included is a discussion about other AI approaches, such as machine learning, and how they are incorporated into tools like Covidence for systematic reviews, assisting with the literature review process.

The "Intro to GenAI and Prompting" workshop is designed to help participants discover how to utilize UVA licensed GenAI tools in their work. In this workshop, participants delve into the basics of GenAI and best practices, then explore the art of prompt engineering. They leave with a solid understanding of GenAI concepts and practical guidance on crafting effective prompts, using Copilot Chat to demonstrate real-world applications.

Visit the library's events page to see availability of these workshops or contact the library for a customized session for your department.

Recent Posts

Health Sciences Library Engages Architecture Students in Space Planning Project

On March 18th, the Health Sciences Library hosted thirty-five students from the University of Virginia Architecture School. Under the guidance of their course instructors, these students will be developing design plans to assist in the space planning efforts at the Health Sciences Library. The event included a presentation of space planning survey results over the past year and a tour of the library's 2nd floor space, which is the scope of the project. Plenty of food and refreshments were available to show the library's appreciation for the students.On April 8th and 10th, the students will showcase their original drawings at the Health Sciences Library. This event will provide library patrons the opportunity to provide feedback. The final drawings will be presented on Aprill 24th and 29th. These final drawings, along with the insights gained from patron feedback, will play an important role in guiding the library's strategic planning team's decisions regarding space utilization at the Health Sciences Library.Pictured below are the Architecture students, their course instructor, Dr. Elgin Cleckley, Kyle Bowman, HSL Administration Manager and chair of the HSL Strategic Planning Space Arc, and Tricia Roche, HSL Access Services Manager and the event organizer....

Trial Resource: Trip Medical Database

The Claude Moore Health Sciences Library is offering a trial of the Trip Medical Database through April 1, 2025. The Trip Medical Database is a clinical search engine designed to allow users to quickly and easily find and use high-quality research evidence to support their practice and/or care. Please use this link to access the database: https://proxy1.library.virginia.edu/login?url=https://www.tripdatabase.com/ Introductory videos can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/c/TripDatabaseVideos If you have any questions, please contact Lewis Savarese, Electronic Resources Librarian, at LMS9QW@virginia.edu....

Health Sciences Library Leans Into Artificial Intelligence

The Health Sciences Library is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its services and workshops, and now offers a range of workshops, each focusing on different aspects of Generative AI (GenAI) and its applications in various fields.One of the workshops, "Exploring How GenAI Fits into Your Work," is an interactive in-person event that provides an overview of popular Generative AI (GenAI) tools. Through small group discussions, participants will explore the application of these tools in their professional work, share ideas, discover new possibilities, and address any questions or concerns they may have.HSL RDAS Team: David Martin, Brenna Kent, Andrea DentonAnother workshop, "Intro to GenAI and Coding," focuses on how GenAI can aid in data analysis tasks. The workshop is divided into two parts: the first half offers practical tips for using GenAI in coding, and the second half features a live demonstration of Copilot Chat for debugging R scripts. Participants receive prompts to follow along and practice during the session. This workshop is designed to provide practical skills and insights applicable to data analysis, accommodating both beginners in GenAI and R programming.The workshop "Intro to GenAI and Literature Searching" is dedicated to exploring how GenAI can enhance scholarly literature searches. It covers the strengths and limitations of common GenAI tools, specifically those designed to find citations. Additionally, the workshop reviews tasks for which GenAI tools are appropriate or inappropriate in the literature search process. Included is a discussion about other AI approaches, such as machine learning, and how they are incorporated into tools like Covidence for systematic reviews, assisting with the literature review process.The "Intro to GenAI and Prompting" workshop is designed to help participants discover how to utilize UVA licensed GenAI tools in their work. In this workshop, participants delve into the basics of GenAI and best practices, then explore the art of prompt engineering. They leave with a solid understanding of GenAI concepts and practical guidance on crafting effective prompts, using Copilot Chat to demonstrate real-world applications.Visit the library's events page to see availability of these workshops or contact the library for a customized session for your department....

From Reference Desk to AI-Powered Assistance: The Evolution of Library Service Models

The UVA Health Sciences Library once relied on a traditional reference desk for patron inquiries. This worked well for simple inquires but often fell short for subject-specific questions, as the person at the desk might not be a subject specialist. In addition, the complexity of the questions were increasing, requiring reference librarians to analyze an ever-expanding amount of knowledge, which was nearly impossible in a reference desk setting. As a result, the Health Sciences Library gradually replaced the reference desk with a consultation model beginning in 2009. CMHSL Reference Desk in Late 1980sThis new service model fit well with the next major service enhancement that occurred in 2017 when the library invested in greater support of UVA Health researchers by hiring data specialists. Services that data specialist provide are inherently intricate and frequently necessitate multiple consultations. The consultation model works by having patrons use the Ask Us form available on the library's website. When filing out the form, patrons specify the nature of their inquiry, such as data, information, technology, or room reservation assistance. This categorization ensures that the inquiry reaches the most qualified specialist.Upon submission, librarians and data specialists receive the request via email and will respond within one business day. While some inquiries can be resolved through email or a phone call, more complex issues may require in-depth consultations. These consultations can be conducted either in the library or via Zoom, depending on the patron's preference and the nature of the inquiry.AI Generated Using Microsoft CopilotMeanwhile, the library continues to provide onsite services through its Service Desk and IT teams. These services are tailored to meet the needs of patrons using the library during the busiest times, 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Service Desk staff capture non-identifiable patron encounters and use that data to ensure consistency in service and to look for service trends. By leveraging these data, the library can better anticipate the needs of our patrons and implement proactive solutions that enhance their overall experience at the library.Leveraging data is playing a major role in the library’s current pursuit of its next service model transition, spearheaded by Dr. David Martin, Innovation and Data Strategy Lead. Dr. Martin and other library staff are exploring how to integrate AI tools and services into library operations. This forward-thinking initiative is set to significantly accelerate the evolution of the library's service model, paving the way for an unprecedented level of creativity and efficiency. The library of tomorrow is being crafted today; a future where AI-powered assistance will likely enhance all facets of library services....