Artificial Intelligence at Bowdoin

March 20, 2025

This morning, The Atlantic Monthly published their investigation into the Library Genesis (or LibGen) data set, which Wikipedia calls “a shadowy library project for file-sharing access” to scholarly and general audience publications. What the reporter, Alex Reisner, found in the case of Meta’s AI project is shocking.

The Atlantic also published a link to search within the LibGen database. A quick search reveals that my first book as well as numerous articles are in LibGen. You may find your own work there as well.

I’ve included links below; you can access The Atlantic for free via Bowdoin Library.

• Alex Reisner, “The Unbelievable Scale of AI’s Pirated-Books Problem”
• Alex Reisner, “Search LibGen, The Pirated-Books Database that Meta Used to Train AI”

A group of publishers are currently suing LibGen over copyright violation. Many in the tech industry as well as journalists reporting on Silicon Valley also see LibGen as operating on legally and ethically shaky ground. Sadly, it seems that some in the tech sector who are doing AI research neither value our work as scholars or respect the legal protections of intellectual property. Put plainly, we cannot expect tech companies to act in the best interest of higher education.

I hope that we will discuss this deeply problematic feature of AI honestly and publicly.

-Matt Klingle

Associate Professor of History and Environmental Studies

Director, Environmental Studies Program

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Week of Oct. 28th 2024

This week's curated selection of readings delves into the complex intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and privacy in our increasingly connected world. The line between public and private information has become increasingly blurred, and AI technologies are further complicating this landscape. 

We're witnessing a fascinating paradox: users are entrusting AI platforms with increasingly personal information, from intimate queries to confidential documents. As our reliance on AI systems grows, so does the vast repository of data these platforms accumulate about us.

The articles we've chosen aim to spark critical thinking about these issues. They offer insights into the changing nature of privacy, the potential risks and benefits of AI, and the ethical considerations we must grapple with as a society. Our goal is to empower you to become a more informed and discerning AI user – one who harnesses the tool's potential while maintaining agency and control over your personal information.

We invite you to explore these readings with an open mind, considering how we can shape a future where AI enhances our lives without compromising our fundamental right to privacy. Remember, in this rapidly evolving digital landscape, it's essential that we remain the masters of our technological tools, rather than the other way around.

• Atkinson, Robert D., and David Moschella. “Myth 2: Technology Is Destroying Individual Privacy.” In Technology Fears and Scapegoats: 40 Myths About Privacy, Jobs, AI, and Today’s Innovation Economy, edited by Robert D. Atkinson and David Moschella, 29–33. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland, 2024.https://bowdoin.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01CBB_BOWC/b484ai/alma991030103096508043
• Chin-Rothmann, Caitlin. “Protecting Data Privacy as a Baseline for Responsible AI,” July 18, 2024. 
• Heidt, Amanda. “Intellectual Property and Data Privacy: The Hidden Risks of AI.” Nature, September 4, 2024.
• Miller, Katharine. “Privacy in an AI Era: How Do We Protect Our Personal Information?,” Stanford Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, March 18, 2024. .
• Shroff, Lila. “Shh, ChatGPT. That’s a Secret.” Atlantic.Com, October 2, 2024, 7–7.

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Week of Oct. 21st 2024

This week, we’re sharing some resources to help you dive into the world of AI. Whether you’re just curious or ready to start learning in-depth, there are plenty of free online courses and books available. Below are some easy-to-access options that will guide you through the basics and beyond.

• To kick off the list, we’ve included a short 17-minute video that explains the basics of AI. If you’re new to AI or don’t have a technical background, this is a great place to start. It’s designed to spark your curiosity and give you a solid introduction. Generative AI in a Nutshell – How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of AI - Watch the video here.
   
• LinkedIn Learning – Formerly known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning is a subscription-based platform packed with high-quality courses. Luckily, as a Bowdoin member, you have full access! Just head to Bowdoin’s login page, sign in, and select the LinkedIn Learning icon. Once you’re in, you can search for courses using keywords and filter them to find exactly what you’re looking for. To make it easier, there’s already a curated collection titled “Getting Started with Generative Artificial Intelligence at Bowdoin”—a great place to begin your AI journey.
• The Elements of AI is a series of free online courses created by MinnaLearn and the University of Helsinki. These courses are perfect for anyone interested in learning more about AI—whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to deepen your understanding. The courses blend theory with hands-on exercises. Plus, they’re offered in many different languages.
   
• Below are some introductory courses on AI and machine learning created by leading tech companies. Even though these companies are behind them, the courses are still beginner-friendly and provide up-to-date information.

• Beginner: Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path by Google
• Artificial Intelligence for Beginners - A Curriculum by Microsoft

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Week of Oct. 14th 2024

This week's selection features six online articles and a TED Talk, all offering insightful perspectives on AI's role in higher education. These resources provide a balanced view, exploring both the potential benefits and challenges of AI in our academic environment.

• Aoun, Joseph E. “Opinion | How Higher Ed Can Adapt to the Challenges of AI.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, July 1, 2024. https://www.chronicle.com/article/how-higher-ed-can-adapt-to-the-challenges-of-ai.

• Baek, Clare, Tamara Tate, and Mark Warschauer. “‘ChatGPT Seems Too Good to Be True’: College Students’ Use and Perceptions of Generative AI.” Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence 7 (December 1, 2024): 100294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100294.

• Basiouny, Angie. “Without Guardrails, Generative AI Can Harm Education.” Knowledge at Wharton (blog). https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/without-guardrails-generative-ai-can-harm-education/.

• Gallant, Tricia Bertram. “How Do We Maintain Academic Integrity in the ChatGPT Era?” AAC&U. https://www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/articles/how-do-we-maintain-academic-integrity-in-the-chatgpt-era.

• McArdle, Megan. “Opinion | AI Is an Existential Threat to Colleges. Can They Adapt?” Washington Post, September 30, 2024. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/09/30/education-ai-cheating/. -- How to access the Washington Post as Bowdoin Members.

• Berg, Natasha.  Should We Let Students Use ChatGPT?, TEDxSioux Falls, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogcSQ-cFRVM.

• UPCEA. “AI Is Already Advancing Higher Education.” UPCEA, September 12, 2024. https://upcea.edu/ai-is-already-advancing-higher-education/.

Written by Peter Bae, Director of the College Library