Library Search: AI Assistant

The University of Westminster enabled Primo Research Assistant on Tuesday, 4th February 2025, as a new AI tool/aid for library search.  

Key details: 

• Research Assistant is being introduced in its Beta stage to explore its potential and understand how students and staff may use it. 
• It is not an alternative to Library Search; certain collections are currently excluded (see scope). 

Other universities: 

• UK: A small number of universities, including Westminster, Cardiff, Stirling, and the Open University, have made Research Assistant available to students; others may follow. 
   
• The Open University has shared some findings of their user testing and feedback: King, Charlene (2025). Primo Research Assistant: User Testing and Feedback. The Open University
   
• Europe: some info from Gdansk & Aalborg  
   
• US: CARLI has shared a helpful summary, noting that most don’t yet find it ready for full implementation. 

For a deeper dive, look at Aaron Tay’s blog on the topic. 

A six-minute lesson plan is available from Exlibris.