###AI Must Assist, Not Lead: Dr. Deepak Shrivastava Champions Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research

Kota, India — Artificial Intelligence is a mirage—it can assist, but must never replace critical thinking in research, asserted Dr. Deepak Kumar Shrivastava, renowned public librarian, scholar, and AI ethics advocate, during a prestigious national webinar organized by Brainware University, West Bengal in collaboration with the Library Professional Foundation (New Delhi), Internal Quality Assurance Cell, and the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research Innovation.

Serving as the keynote resource person, Dr. Shrivastava addressed over 600 national and international participants on the theme: Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence and the Role of Libraries in Literature Review for Research.

As the Divisional Library President at the Government Divisional Public Library, Kota (Rajasthan), Dr. Shrivastava warned researchers against blind dependence on AI-generated content, calling it a "double-edged sword that demands verification, ethical mindfulness, and academic responsibility. He emphasized that any data sourced via AI tools must be rigorously verified using authentic and scholarly databases to safeguard the integrity of the research process.

“AI can never be your guide—it’s merely your assistant. The true compass of research remains the researcher’s conscience and the credibility of their sources,” Dr. Shrivastava noted.

He underscored the increasingly pivotal role of libraries in the digital age as gateways to verified, credible, and ethically sourced knowledge.* His address served as a powerful call to action for institutions to integrate ethical AI practices into research frameworks, while elevating libraries as foundational partners in academic integrity.

The event featured addresses by esteemed dignitaries including Prof. Shankar Gangopadhyay** (Vice-Chancellor, Brainware University), Dr. Rakhi (Research Director), *Bandana Basu (Conference Director), Cheti Ghosh, and Dr. Anil Jharotia* (President, Library Professional Foundation), who highlighted the importance of ethical technology use in academia.

Dr. Shrivastava’s keynote not only offered a roadmap for responsible AI integration but also inspired a deeper appreciation for human judgment, scholarly diligence, and the indispensable value of libraries in navigating the AI age.