VCSU Library Citation Guide

Generative AI in Chicago Style

If generative AI or a chatbot is used in a paper, it must be clearly stated that AI was used and how it was used. You can put this acknowledgement of use in the paper's body or in a preface. Specific quotes or paraphrases from generative AI should be cited in the text or in a note whenever they are used. You should also mention any edits or adaptations of the AI generated text. If your professor tells you that using generative AI is not allowed for your assignment, don't use it.

Usually, you should treat generative AI citations similarly to personal communication. You should not list the generative AI interaction in a reference list, instead all the important information goes into the notes or the text itself. The exception to this rule is if you have a publicly accessible URL for a an archived copy of the conversation, in which case you should create an entry on your bibliography. Check out this FAQ post from the Chicago Style website for more information.

Citation Setup

Author Date In-Text Citation:

Mention the prompt in the text of the paper (Name of AI tool used, date).

Notes (Prompt Mentioned in Text): 

1. Text generated by name of AI tool, Developer of AI tool, date generated.

Notes (Prompt Not Mentioned in Text)

1. Response to "prompt used," name of AI tool, Developer of AI tool, date generated. 

Notes (Edits Made to AI Generated Text):

1. Text generated by Name of AI tool, Developer of AI tool, date generated, edited for style and accuracy.

Bibliography (if applicable):

Developer of AI tool. Response to "prompt used," Name of AI Tool, Date generated. URL to archived conversation.