Answers: UHN Library & Information Services

Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can be good for brainstorming, editing, or summarizing, but they don't always give accurate citations. Here are better ways to find citations or articles:

• Library resources: Use tools like UHN OneSearch and databases of research and other publications,
• Search engines like Google Scholar, or Bing.

If you have citations generated by an AI, here are some recommendations for tracking them down:

1. Search UHN OneSearch for the title or other information provided by the GenAI tool. This searches all of the resources UHN Libraries has and if the item exists, can be the fast way to access the full text of a resource.
    
2. Search for Identifiers. If the citation has a DOI or PMID, search for that identifier in a search engine. Check if the article you find matches what the GenAI tool provided. 
    
3. If there is no identifier, try one or more of the following:
   • Search for the title and source (journal, newsletter, website, whatever information the tool provided) in a search engine to see if you can find the item
   • Navigate the Source's Website: Use the source's website to find the article. This might involve: 
     • Clicking through a journal website to find the right volume, issue, and article.
     • Using the search function or menus on a website to find the item. 
   • Search for Quotes or Abstracts: If the above doesn't work, and the tool provided a quote or abstract from the citation, try searching for those.
      
4. ​Always ​make sure to v​​​erify! Once you find something, check if it is the same article described by the tool and if it says what the tool claimed.
    

Important Reminder: GenAI tools can be helpful and time-saving, but also can provide wrong information. Always fact check information provided. For more about using GenAI effectively and responsibly, check out our Generative AI at UHN resource guide.