Bamboo AI Interest Group

An initiative of Leddy Library’s Research and Publishing Services Unit

The Bamboo AI Interest Group is a collaborative initiative at the University of Windsor focused on understanding the impact and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in library research, scholarly communication, and publishing. The group provides a space for shared learning, critical discussion, and experimentation around emerging AI‑enabled practices that affect library work.

Like bamboo, the group aims to grow knowledge that is resilient, adaptable, and rooted in community. Activities are exploratory and inclusive, welcoming participants with a wide range of interests and experience levels.

The group is open to all librarians and anyone interested in this area.


How the Interest Group Works

Activities typically take the form of:
  • Discussion sessions focused on a specific theme, framework, or practice
  • Webinars or facilitated conversations led by colleagues or invited guests
Sessions are informal and discussion‑driven. No prior technical expertise is required. Readings or tools are shared in advance when applicable, with an emphasis on critical reflection, practical implications, and peer learning.

Next Session

How Researchers Are Using and Questioning AI: A Discussion on Wiley’s ExplanAItions 2025

Date: March 31, 2026
Format: Discussion session
Facilitator: Grace Liu

The Bamboo AI Interest Group invites you to a discussion grounded in Wiley’s ExplanAItions 2025. This session examines how researchers are using and increasingly questioning AI across the research lifecycle, with attention to disclosure practices, trust, and emerging support needs for libraries and research and publishing services.

Upcoming Topics (Details Forthcoming)

Using RAG in Academic Libraries, Leveraging Global Library Content for Localized Research
Tentatively April 2026
Presenter: Art Rhyno
Exploring the use of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), an AI framework that improves Large Language Model (LLM) accuracy by folding in external digital sources to ground the response.
 
“Vibe Coding” with Gemini: Quick Results for Meaningful Work to Help You
Tentatively May 2026
Presenter: Pascal Calarco
In this session, Pascal will demonstrate some examples of quick AI mini-projects you can do in about 30 minutes. Some examples:
  • Assess University of Windsor’s research performance against its Canadian peers at the disciplinary level, over time
  • With a Zotero database of books, query Alma to see which ones we have locally, look up the local LC classification and update the Zotero database
  • What books are we missing in the local Omni collection to support preeminent Arts & Humanities faculty here at Windsor?
AI Chatbots and Reference Services in Academic Libraries
Tentatively June 2026
Presenter: Grace Liu
Examining current and emerging uses of AI chatbots in reference and research support, including benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations.

Dates and formats will be shared once confirmed.


Recent Events

AI Competencies for Academic Library Workers
Date: February 27, 2026
Format: Discussion session
Facilitator: Roger Reka
This session explored ACRL’s AI Competencies for Academic Library Workers, with a focus on shared interpretation and reflection rather than formal presentation. Participants discussed how the framework connects to professional roles, practice, and ongoing skills development in academic libraries.

Past Webinars 

NISO Webinar Series: AI & the Research Cycle
  • Phase I: Environmental Scan & Discovery - February 19, 2024
Event Page     
  • Phase II: Data Collection & Analysis - June 11, 2025
Event Page     
  • Phase III: Writing, Peer Review & Publishing - September 10, 2025
Event Page     

Related Resources

Get Involved

Librarians or anyone else interested in participating, suggesting topics, or guest‑hosting a future session are encouraged to join the conversation and contribute ideas.

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