ChatGPT4 Academic Librarian Research Prompts

Finding Polling Data & Public Opinion

Prompt: "Identify key polling organizations and databases that collect and analyze public opinion data on current political, social, and economic issues. Compare the methodologies used by different polling organizations and explain their strengths and weaknesses."

How & Why: This prompt encourages students to delve into various polling organizations and databases to understand how public opinion data is collected and analyzed. It also helps them critically assess the methodologies used, which is essential for evaluating the credibility and accuracy of polling data.

Finding Statistics and Census Data

Prompt: "Analyze the role of national and international statistical agencies in collecting and disseminating census data. Examine the key indicators and data collection methods used in population, housing, and economic censuses."

How & Why: This prompt guides students to explore the role of statistical agencies in collecting and disseminating census data. It also encourages them to examine key indicators and data collection methods essential for understanding the context and reliability of census data.

Finding Government Information

Prompt: "Evaluate the accessibility, organization, and reliability of government information sources at the local, state, and federal levels. Discuss the role of government repositories and digital archives in preserving and providing access to government information."

How & Why: This prompt helps students assess the quality and accessibility of government information sources. Students will understand the importance of preserving and providing access to government information by discussing the role of government repositories and digital archives.

Finding Primary Sources

Prompt: "Explain the significance of primary sources in historical research and identify key strategies for locating and evaluating primary source materials. Explore the challenges and limitations associated with using primary sources."

How & Why: This prompt emphasizes the importance of primary sources in historical research while guiding students in locating and evaluating these materials. Exploring challenges and limitations associated with primary sources encourages critical thinking and awareness of potential biases.

Finding Secondary Sources

Prompt: "Discuss the role of secondary sources in academic research and analyze the criteria for evaluating the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of secondary sources. Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of various types of secondary sources."

How & Why: This prompt helps students understand the role of secondary sources in research and guides them in evaluating their credibility and accuracy. By comparing different types of secondary sources, students can identify the strengths and weaknesses of each class, which is essential for selecting appropriate sources for their research.

Finding Patents & Trademarks

Prompt: "Investigate the role of national and international intellectual property offices in managing patent and trademark information. Describe the process of searching for patents and trademarks, and discuss the challenges associated with locating and interpreting this information."

How & Why: This prompt guides students to explore intellectual property offices and their role in managing patent and trademark information. By describing the search process and discussing challenges, students will understand the complexities of locating and interpreting patent and trademark information.

Finding Common Reference Questions

Prompt: "Identify the most frequent types of reference questions asked in libraries and describe the strategies and resources librarians use to answer these questions. Discuss the importance of effective communication and active listening in the reference interview process."

How & Why: This prompt helps students recognize common reference questions and understand the strategies and resources librarians use to answer them. By discussing the importance of effective communication and active listening, students will appreciate the crucial role of librarians in guiding users to find the information they need.