From RAG to Riches? Corporate Control in the AI Research Era

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentationpeer-review

Abstract

Search engines tout retrieval augmented generation (RAG) as the future of search. There are popular and academic interests in generative artificial intelligence (AI), and how it can enable new methods of research. RAG provides a way to mitigate AI misinformation and improve results. RAG also raises ethical, commercial, and legal issues that information professionals must address. AI-generated misinformation is subject to consumer protection regulations, though Section 230 protections provide immunity from externally generated, website-hosted misinformation. For instance, Meta is not liable for harmful medical information that users produce on Facebook and Instagram, though Meta would be responsible for harmful medical information it produces. Similarly, copyright law affects RAG differently than traditional search, with implications for library collections and scholarly communication. This presentation explores how RAG impacts academic libraries and the research process:

Challenges in evaluating AI-generated information
Implications for information literacy instruction
Effects on collection development and resource licensing
Potential changes to scholarly publishing models
Ethical considerations for library-provided AI tools

This presentation examines how centralized corporate control of AI technology influences academic research and library services. By understanding these issues, librarians can better advocate for responsible AI use in academic settings and guide researchers in navigating this evolving landscape.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - Nov 15 2024
EventCharleston Conference - Charleston, United States
Duration: Nov 11 2024Nov 15 2024

Conference

ConferenceCharleston Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharleston
Period11/11/2411/15/24

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Economics and Econometrics

Keywords

  • retrieval augmented generation
  • generative artificial intelligence
  • natural monopoly
  • Research discipline
  • online search
  • search engines

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