Introducing “Should you use AI for that?”

Sidra Collaborative is pleased to share our new resource: Should You Use AI For That? A GenAI Decision Tree for Cultural Organizations.

We know we’re not the only ones who have been thinking a lot about the role of generative AI in our work lately.

Many of our friends who work in funding are energized by the possibility of using generative machine learning tools (genAI) to streamline processes by sorting and summarizing applications, reviewing eligibility, and drafting and revising calls for proposals or outreach materials. At the same time, many of the grantmakers that we know are anxious about how applicants might be using the same tools to speed up their own efforts, from identifying funding sources to drafting applications.

The same is true among cultural organizations. GenAI can automate difficult and tedious processes, from transcribing historical documents to producing metadata and writing lesson plans. But these uses of machine learning technology are not without drawbacks, especially for organizations with strongly defined values and an obligation to steward information accurately and responsibly.

And everyone is worried about AI scams and AI slop.

At Sidra Collaborative, we understand the transformative role that machine learning can have in preserving and sharing cultural knowledge. As a graduate student, Hannah worked on a team developing machine learning applications for colonial-era records. As former federal grantmakers, all four Sidra Collaborative co-founders have supported projects that applied digital technologies to cultural heritage.

But after carefully assessing the AI landscape, we have determined that the costs of using genAI in our work far outweighs the benefits. That’s why our AI policy is clear: “we will not use generative AI to manage projects, conduct research, organize or analyze data, produce or revise writing, or generate outputs.”

Still, we know that we are facing a barrage of opportunities to change our minds and use just a little bit of AI (as a treat). To help us and our colleagues, clients, friends, and community members, we have designed the following AI decision tree. We hope it helps you find your way!