ILS: SAID Fellow for the Humanities (S99739)

Summary

The Student-led AI Design (SAID) Fellow for Humanities is a semester-long undergraduate fellowship to develop student-centered approaches to integrating artificial intelligence into library instruction and research support. The Fellow will evaluate existing library instructional resources, recommend AI-enhanced improvements, and co-create AI literacy materials and lesson plans that support ethical, effective, and accessible use of AI in Humanities research. The Fellow will contribute directly to the modernization of library pedagogy while gaining experience in AI literacy, instructional design, and digital scholarship.

Basics

  • Department: Information and Library Services
  • Supervisor: Marianne Williams
  • Office Location: Ladd Library
  • Email: mwillia8@bates.edu
  • Hours: 7-10
  • Workers: 1

Responsibilities

Audit and evaluate existing Humanities Research Guides (LibGuides) to identify opportunities for AI integration and AI literacy instruction. Research, test, and assess AI tools and large language models for their potential use in Humanities research and library instruction. Redesign and prototype AI-enhanced Research Guides that improve student engagement and usability. Collaborate with the Humanities Librarian to develop sample AI-integrated lesson plans and instructional materials for library instruction sessions. Participate in user testing and gather feedback from student focus groups to refine instructional resources. Assist in creating prompting guides, AI literacy resources, and recommendations for library pedagogy. Document findings, best practices, and project outcomes in a written final report. Present project results to campus stakeholders through a Lunch and Learn session and support dissemination of project materials. Maintain awareness of ethical, equitable, and responsible AI use in higher education and library environments.

Requirements

Required: Current Bates College undergraduate student in good academic standing. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Interest in artificial intelligence, information literacy, digital scholarship, or educational technology. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty and library staff. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to learn new technologies quickly and thoughtfully evaluate their applications. Commitment to ethical and responsible use of AI. Preferred Coursework or experience in the Humanities, Education, or DCS. Familiarity with generative AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) or willingness to develop proficiency. Interest or experience in research, instructional design, library services, or digital humanities. Experience creating instructional materials, conducting user testing, or facilitating peer learning. Training Provided Orientation to Bates Information and Library Services. Introduction to Google Suite and Springshare library software. Training in AI ethics, prompt engineering, and library instructional practices. Mentorship from the Humanities Librarian and Research Services staff.

Reporting

Reports to: Humanities Librarian. Works Closely With: Research Services Team within Information and Library Services (ILS). Other ILS staff supporting AI initiatives and instructional services. Student focus groups participating in project evaluation. Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Working Conditions

Primarily office and library-based work with opportunities for independent and collaborative project work. Approximately 7 hours per week during the Fall 2026 semester (14 weeks). Regular use of computers, online research tools, library systems, and AI software platforms. Access to and use of AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Speechify, or similar technologies as part of project responsibilities. Occasional attendance at meetings, presentations, and student focus groups. Minimal physical requirements beyond standard office work, including prolonged computer use. No travel required beyond possible optional presentation opportunities at campus events or professional conferences. Requires knowledge of or willingness to learn AI ethics, prompt engineering, information literacy concepts, and best practices for integrating AI into academic research and library instruction.