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Using ChatGPT or other AI tools? You’re not alone. But knowing how to use AI effectively—and responsibly—can make a big difference in your research, writing, and studies.

This October, the Algonquin College Library is offering online workshops to help you get more comfortable with generative AI. You’ll learn how to evaluate AI-generated information, use better prompts, cite your sources, understand when to acknowledge AI, and make informed decisions about using AI in your academic work.

Whether you’re wondering “Can I use AI for this assignment?”, “Do I need to cite it?”, or simply “How can I get better results from ChatGPT?”, there’s a workshop for you.

Here are four sessions to check out this month.

Not sure when you need to cite AI? We’ve got you covered.

Using ChatGPT or another generative AI tool for your coursework can raise some questions: Do I need to acknowledge it? How do I cite it? What counts as responsible use?

When to Cite and Acknowledge GenAI will help answer these questions. You’ll learn more about how generative AI works and get practical guidance on academic integrity, citation, and acknowledging your use of AI in your academic work.

October 13, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Register for the workshop

Don’t believe everything AI—or the internet—tells you

AI can give you an answer in seconds, but that doesn’t mean the answer is accurate.

In Critical Thinking, GenAI and Research, you’ll learn how to evaluate information using the C.R.A.A.P. test, a useful framework for checking the credibility, relevance, and reliability of sources. You’ll also learn how to recognize misinformation and AI-generated content—skills that can make a big difference when you’re researching for an assignment.

October 21, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Register for the workshop

New to generative AI? Start here.

If you’re still figuring out what generative AI can—and can’t—do, AI at AC: A Beginner’s Guide to Generative AI is a great place to begin.

You’ll explore how tools like ChatGPT can support research and writing, learn about their limitations, and find out how to use them in ways that align with Algonquin College’s Academic Integrity policies.

October 22, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Register for the workshop

Want to use AI as part of your research process?

Generative AI can be a useful research partner when you know how to use it effectively.

In AI as Your Research Partner: Using It Responsibly Online, you’ll learn prompting techniques, explore the limitations of AI, and discover ways to incorporate AI into your research process responsibly and ethically.

October 22, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Register for the workshop

Ready to build your AI skills?

AI is becoming an increasingly common part of academic life, and knowing how to use it thoughtfully is an important skill.

For more AI resources, visit the AI: Generative Artificial Intelligence website or check the Library’s workshop calendar for upcoming sessions.

Finding a quiet place to focus on campus can be a challenge—especially during midterms and finals. That’s why the library’s new single study desks are such an exciting addition for students looking to get serious work done.

What Are Single Study Desks?

Single study desks are individual workstations, located in the Quiet Study area of the library. Unlike long shared tables, these desks are designed for one person, with dividers that create a semi-private space.

Think of them as your personal focus zone—no interruptions, no side conversations, just a space for you and your work.

Why Students Will Love Them

Here’s what makes individual study spaces so popular:

1. Fewer Distractions
When you’re seated at a shared table, it’s easy to get pulled into conversations or notice what everyone else is doing. A single desk creates a boundary that helps you stay in your own lane—mentally and physically.

2. Better Focus = Better Results
Having a dedicated space signals to your brain that it’s time to work. Over time, just sitting down at that desk can help you get into study mode faster.

3. Ideal for Deep Work
If you’re tackling something that requires serious concentration—like writing an essay, coding, or reviewing complex material—single desks make it easier to stay locked in.

When You Should Use One

Single study desks aren’t always necessary, but they’re especially helpful when:

• You have a big exam coming up
• You need to write or read for long periods
• You’re easily distracted by noise or people
• You want a structured, focused study session

For lighter work or group projects, open tables might still be the better choice.

Tips to Make the Most of It

If you manage to grab one of these coveted spots, don’t waste it. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Come prepared: Bring everything you need so you don’t have to leave frequently
• Set a goal: Decide what you want to accomplish before you sit down
• Limit your phone use: Put it on silent or out of sight
• Use time blocks: Try studying in focused intervals (like 25–50 minutes)

Final Thoughts

Single study desks might seem like a small detail in a library, but they can make a big difference in how you work. In a world full of distractions, having a quiet, personal space is more valuable than ever.

Next time you walk into the library, skip the crowded tables and try claiming a desk of your own. You might be surprised at how much more you get done.