Getting Started with NotebookLM

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Overview 

NotebookLM is one of the latest generative-AI tools licensed for use at Rutgers University. Like other generative-AI platforms such as Chat-GPT and Gemini, NotebookLM can analyze and summarize large amounts of data. NotebookLM differs from other platforms because users can curate the source material that the model pulls the data from. This gives users more control over the output based on their source input. NotebookLM also offers a broader suite of output formats than other generative AI models. These formats include audio and visual elements, various document styles, and instructional and learning resources. This article outlines the steps for getting started with your Rutgers licensed version of NotebookLM and provides an overview of the tools and features unique to the platform. Additionally, many links to resources are provided for further exploration.  

Logging In 

  • Go to NotebookLM’s website and log in with your ScarletMail credentials. If you have not activated your ScarletMail, you can activate it at ScarletApps. 
  • You can also access NotebookLM through the Google Apps menu if you are already signed into your ScarletMail account.  

Creating a Notebook and Customizing the Dashboard 

  • Once logged in, you can create a new Notebook or open one that you previously created from the dashboard. 
  • You can change the layout (list or tile view) and order (most recent or by title) of your Notebooks from the dashboard.  
  • You can change the name of a Notebook or delete it entirely from the dashboard. 

Layout and Features 

  1. Share – this feature works similarly to sharing other Google documents; however, the ability to “share with anyone with the link” is restricted. If you want to share Notebooks with others, you must add them as a permitted user. Sharing only allows others to interact with the Notebook, not edit it (add sources, etc.).  
  1. Settings – includes help (a knowledge base), feedback, output language (yes, you can change it!), device lighting mode, and option to upgrade to Plus version. 
  1. Sources – the first of the three main interactive panels, this is where you upload sources by selecting the “Add” or “Discover” button. You can select which sources you want to use while using the Chat or Studio panels by checking or unchecking the box next to each source.  
  1. Chat – this feature is powered by Google’s Gemini AI and works like a typical LLM. You can configure the chat to help you achieve various goals: do research, help learn, show different perspectives, or change the style and tone of output. You can also customize the response length. 
  1. Studio – allows you to generate a variety of structured documents and audio/visual outputs from the source material.  Documents that can be generated include: flashcards, quizzes, reports (features many style options such as lesson plans, study guides, blog posts, explanatory articles, and memos), mind maps, video and audio overviews. 

Sample Use Cases 

Research 

  • Provide a repository of organized and contextualized research material 
  • Create documents that help synthesize large amounts of research 
  • Discover new sources using the “Discover Sources” feature 
  • Interrogate, interact with, or converse with materials using the chat feature

Teaching

  • Upload teaching materials to a Notebook to keep in one place 
  • Use studio features like lesson plan, quiz, flashcards, and audio and visual overview to create course content 
  • Explore the use of NotebookLM as a teaching tool with students 

Learning

  • Use the “Learning Guide” chat feature to interact with materials in the chat 
  • Use studio feature to create customized study guides  
  • Use studio quiz function to self-assess 
  • Listen to audio overview and watch video overview to learn material 

Data Use and Copyright Considerations 

  • When using the Rutgers licensed version of NotebookLM, data uploaded to the platform is NOT used to train the underlying AI models. 
  • Protect confidential data by not uploading sensitive information like personal identifying information (PII) or protected health information (PHI). 
  • Rutgers business information should not be uploaded to NotebookLM. 
  • Student work should not be uploaded without their permission. 
  • NotebookLM notes in their “Acceptable Use” statement to respect copyright laws (see the statement at the end of this document). It is best practice to check with Rutgers library if you are not sure if you should upload library material to NotebookLM. 
  • Copyright Statement from NotebookLM: 
    • “Respect Copyright Laws: Respect copyright laws. Do not share copyrighted content without the necessary rights to do so. It’s our policy to respond to clear notices of alleged copyright infringement. Repeated infringement of intellectual property rights, including copyright, will result in account termination. If you see a violation of Google’s copyright policies, report copyright infringement.” (Source) 

Resources 

Need Support? 

If you have questions, please reach out to us at idt@camden.rutgers.edu or 856-225-6090.