The Art and Science of Prompt Engineering: A New Literacy in the Information Age

Leo S. Lo

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

The novel discipline of prompt-engineering is a combination of artificial intelligence, linguistics, and user experience design. Crafting effective prompts for AI models like OpenAI’s GPT can optimize the quality of generated output, especially in reference services. The article explains the CLEAR Framework—a guiding tool that incorporates principles of conciseness, logic, explicitness, adaptability, and reflectiveness in prompt crafting. Despite challenges including biases, ethical concerns, and keeping up with rapidly evolving AI capabilities, the field also presents opportunities for growth. The article concludes with a call to action for library professionals to embrace and master prompt-engineering as an essential skill.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)203-210
Number of pages8
JournalInternet Reference Services Quarterly
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Library and Information Sciences

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