Google NotebookLM

NotebookLM is an AI powered assistant, that helps with research and note-taking.

NotebookLM uses the information you upload (such as your notes, articles and presentations) and organises it to help you understand it more quickly and easily. It can summarise complex information, answer your questions and even generate code. It can also be used collaboratively.

When using AI tools, you must protect University data. Learn about your responsibilities.

Key features

Create a notebook to store and organise sources (notes, articles, PDFs, presentations, websites, audio, and more) in one location.
Notebooks can be personal or shared with others, for collaborative note-taking and information gathering.
Generate relevant answers and detailed insights, based on the sources you upload.
Summarise complex information and convert it into easy-to-understand formats, like FAQs or briefing documents.
Create audio overviews of documents for easy listening and review.
Generate code snippets in various programming languages.
Supports and speeds up various academic, research and administrative workflows.

Available to staff and students

You can use this service on University-managed and personal devices.

Web-based

This service works in your web browser.

Funded by the University

There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.

Access instructions

Open NotebookLM

This service is part of Google Workspace.
Sign in with your University email address. Google two-factor authentication (2FA) is required.
There are some limitations to using this service in sanctioned countries.

Related tools

Guides and help

How-to guides and set up

NotebookLM help (support.google.com)
8 expert tips for getting started with NotebookLM (blog.google.com)

Training and best practice

Generative AI tools and guidance: find out what you need to know before using them and how to use them responsibly. You can also find specific guidance for staff, students and researchers.
Using AI generation tools

Accessibility

Google has incorporated a variety of features to make its products usable by people with accessibility needs. Learn more about Google accessibility features and products (about.google.com).

Contact for support

If you’re experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.

Service commitments

Your responsibilities and policies

In order to keep University data secure and comply with data protection laws, staff and students must only use generative AI tools that are provided and licensed by the University. This ensures appropriate contractual provisions are in place to protect University data. Do not use personal accounts with the same or alternative providers as these do not provide the same level of protections.

The University's guidance on using information classification sets out how generative AI may be used responsibly with different classifications of University information. You must read this guidance and familiarise yourself with the types of information it is safe to share with GenAI tools before using them.

Please be aware that even if the service doesn't use the information you input to train AI models, you must still follow university guidance and only share the types of information we classify as safe to share.

The use of personal data is governed by the University’s Data Protection Policy and associated Special Categories of Personal Data Policy, if you are processing personal data that is likely to result in a high risk to individuals’ interests you must undertake the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) screening process. This will help to ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation. For support with this, please contact the Data Protection team.

You must not upload any copyrighted content, including journals, to any generative AI tools unless you have confirmed this is acceptable with the publisher; please contact your faculty librarian to discuss this.

The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.

Service performance

Availability

This is a live service, available 24/7.
Check the status of this service and any planned maintenance (google.com).

Support

This service is managed by a third party.
They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.
See Google Workspace for further details.

Standards

Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.

Feedback and complaints

We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.

Page last reviewed: 29 January 2025