New AI lab in the University Library

Artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities for academic work – from targeted literature searches and the analysis of academic information to the revision of one’s own texts. With the new AI Lab in the foyer of the Central Library, the University Library of Würzburg is expanding its range of services and creating a space where students can learn about, try out and utilise powerful AI-supported research and text applications for their academic work, with expert support.

A total of six applications are available on nine high-performance PCs purchased specifically for this purpose: Consensus Pro, Elicit Pro, Keenious Plus, ChatGPT Business, Claude Team and DeepL Write Pro. Use of these applications is free of charge and comes without the restrictions found in the freely available versions.

The AI Lab offers more than just access to modern technology: during opening hours, staff from the UBW Information Centre are on hand as personal points of contact. They assist students in using the applications and offer advice on how to apply them to their academic work.

Tutor as a point of contact

This support is complemented by a Master’s student who works at the University Library as part of the Bavaria-wide AI Tutorials programme run by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts. She acts as an additional point of contact for students, providing practical assistance and explaining the wide range of ways in which AI applications can be used in studies and research.

The UBW is thus building on its existing services for developing information and AI literacy. Since October 2024, it has been teaching the basics of using AI-supported research tools in the course ‘Literature Research with AI in 30 Minutes’. In addition, it offers an AI e-portfolio, accessible at any time, which presents various tools and their potential uses for academic literature research.

In March 2026, the University Library’s Study Grant Committee gave the green light to the project. The technical equipment and the necessary software licences were funded by University Library study grants. Within a few months, the University Library implemented the project, whilst also reviewing and regulating the data protection requirements for the use of the AI applications. In doing so, it enables students to access modern AI tools within an institutionally secure framework.

Further information on the AI Lab, its use and opening hours: https://go.uniwue.de/ubwkilab