Business Library: Conversational AI Knowledge Base

Copilot Knowledge Card: Finding Sources 

 
Copilot utilizes a method called generative answers to find and present information from a variety of sources, including external websites [1]. This process does not require the creation of new topics. Instead, Copilot can instantly provide answers, help, and guidance by drawing from the content available on specified websites [1]. 

For instance, when using Copilot for Service, you can provide URLs of websites you'd like Copilot to use for generating answers, such as SharePoint sites [1]. However, there are some limitations to consider, such as the depth of URL paths and the requirement that the content must be publicly accessible without authentication [1]. 

Moreover, Copilot employs natural language processing to interpret the user's input, retrieve relevant information from the provided sources, and summarize the results into plain language responses [3]. This allows Copilot to deliver concise and understandable answers to users' queries, making it a valuable tool for reference services and business research

Detailed Explanation

1. Generative Answers: 

• Copilot generates answers by analyzing the context of a user's query and drawing from a vast array of existing content available on the web. 
• It uses natural language processing (NLP) techniques to understand the user's input and retrieve relevant information. 
• Instead of relying solely on predefined responses, Copilot dynamically generates answers based on the specific query, making it adaptable and versatile. 

2. Content Sources: 

• Copilot can pull information from various sources, including: 

• External Websites: You can specify URLs of websites you want Copilot to use for generating answers. For example, if you provide a SharePoint site URL, Copilot will extract relevant content from that site. 
• Publicly Accessible Content: Copilot requires publicly accessible content without authentication. It can't access private or restricted information. 
• Structured Data: Copilot can also work with structured data, such as tables, lists, and other formats found on websites. 

• By leveraging these sources, Copilot ensures that its answers are up-to-date and relevant. 

3. Benefits for Reference Services and Business Research: 

• Quick and Accurate Responses: Copilot's generative answers allow librarians and researchers to quickly find relevant information without manual searching. 
• Enhanced Reference Services: 

• When users ask questions, Copilot can provide detailed answers, summaries, or explanations. 
• Librarians can use Copilot to augment their responses, especially for common queries. 

• Business Research: 

• Copilot can assist with industry analysis, market trends, and technology insights. 
• It can summarize reports, whitepapers, and research articles, saving time for researchers. 

• Copilot's adaptability makes it valuable for staying informed about business developments. 

4. Limitations: 

• Copilot's answers are based on existing content, so it may not always have the most recent or specialized information. 
• It doesn't have real-time access to proprietary databases or subscription-based resources. 
• Users should verify critical information from authoritative sources when needed. 

In summary, Copilot's generative answers offer a powerful tool for enhancing reference services, providing accurate information, and assisting with business-related inquiries. Librarians can leverage its capabilities to streamline research and improve user experiences.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 5/27/2024