NotebookLM is an AI-driven tool from Google Labs that helps users understand complex information by allowing them to upload various source materials (documents, web pages, audio) into a notebook and use AI to synthesize and analyze it. NotebookLM offers options to create study guides, briefings, FAQs, and audio overviews. Users can interact directly with the AI via a chat interface, posing questions and receiving answers grounded in the uploaded material, complete with inline citations to notebook content. This tool is still in development, so expect changes and new features. NotebookLM does not use your personal data, including your source uploads, queries, and the responses from the model for training.
NotebookLM is particularly useful for:
-
Using AI as a Reading Companion by creating pre-reading summaries, simplifying complex language, testing your understanding, and deepening your analysis. (See Using NotebookLM to Boost College Reading Comprehension for more advice and assignment models.)
-
Learning by creating study guides, FAQs, and glossaries based on your notebooks.
-
Synthesizing information from multiple sources and providing briefing documents on a topic.
-
Streamlining the process of summarizing key points in documents.
-
Collaborating on shared notes and documents.
How to Access and Get Started with NotebookLM
Step 1: Log into your university Google account, then navigate to https://notebooklm.google.com/. Be sure to use your St. Edwards Google account because notebooks can't be shared outside of the St. Edwards Google organization.
- Note: You can switch between Google accounts by clicking your account picture or logo at the top right.
Step 2: Click Create New to get started with a new notebook. You will be prompted to Add Sources by uploading files, pulling from Google Drive, adding links, or pasting in text. The NotebookLM interface is organized into three areas. The Sources (on the left) panel manages all the information that's central to your project. The Chat (in the middle) panel lets you discuss your sources through a conversational AI interface with citations. The Studio (on the right)panel lets you create new things from your sources with a single click, like Study Guides, Briefing Docs and Audio Overviews.
Step 3: For help, review the Getting Started help in the Introduction to NotebookLM notebook that is automatically created for each NotebookLM user. You can review a Source Overview, create an FAQ, or just chat with the AI.
Key Features of NotebookLM
-
Notebooks to organize separate projects
-
Automatic Source Overviews created on source upload
-
Content generation with one click based on the uploaded sources, such as Summaries, Briefing Documents, Timelines, FAQs, and Study Guides
-
Audio Overviews of notebooks, summarizing key topics in a podcast-like format with two speakers in a 10-minute conversation
-
AI-provided citations for most responses, showing the specific text passages used to generate the answer to verify the accuracy of the information and see the original context.
-
Use natural language queries to locate specific information within your notes by chatting with the AI.
-
Share and collaborate on notebooks with colleagues.
Tips for Effective Use of NotebookLM:
-
Review AI Outputs: While NotebookLM provides advanced AI-generated insights, always review and refine the outputs for accuracy and relevance.
-
Integrate Into Daily Workflows: Use NotebookLM for routine tasks like organizing research or summarizing documents to maximize efficiency.
-
Collaborate with Colleagues: Share your notebooks for collaborative research.
Stay Updated: NotebookLM is still in development. Regularly check for updates and new features to optimize your experience. Visit NotebookLM Help to track the latest features.