As academic libraries respond to the growing presence of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, it’s easy to assume we know what kind of support our students need. But rather than guess, we decided to ask. At Curtin University Library, we undertook a small user experience (UX) project to better understand students’ questions about generative AI and their awareness of our existing resources. Some of what we found didn’t come as a surprise, but other insights did - and both proved equally valuable in guiding our approach.
To get quick, authentic input, we used a guerrilla-style method - short, informal interviews with students where we asked the following questions:
- Thinking about generative AI, what do you struggle with and what questions do you have?
- Do you know the Library has generative AI resources and workshops?
We also carried out a card sorting activity to determine where our online generative AI resources should sit in our academic skills hub UniSkills.
We analysed responses from 25 students and identified three key themes that categorise the types of questions students have about generative AI. First, Curtin students are seeking clearer guidance on how generative AI can be used in their studies, particularly around referencing, academic integrity, and avoiding accusations of misuse.
Second, they want a better understanding of how generative AI works, why it sometimes produces errors, and which tools are worth using. And third, students raised broader concerns about its impact on future careers, academic skills development, and the ethics of corporate involvement in AI technologies.
When asked whether they were aware of the Library’s generative AI workshops or online resources, only 5 out of 25 students said yes. This stark finding underscored the need for better promotion and integration of generative AI support into students’ academic journeys. And finally, when discussing where the online content should be placed, five students associated it with assessments, while the majority saw it as a study tool.
Our UX findings are already shaping the Library’s next steps. A new series of workshops on using generative AI has been developed to strengthen student understanding of how generative AI works and how it can be used, including more specific guidance around its use at Curtin. The existing online generative AI content has been moved to a more prominent location within UniSkills, with plans to redevelop and expand it to include information on tracking document revisions and comparing generative AI tools. And, crucially, the Library will ramp up efforts to promote these resources more effectively, with more signage already in place and plans for increased integration within courses.
This quick but valuable UX initiative confirmed some long-held suspicions while also uncovering new insights and concerns. Hearing directly from students was both affirming and eye-opening, and their voices are now shaping a more responsive, student-centred experience. As generative AI evolves, so too will the Library’s support – now guided by a stronger understanding of student needs.
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