BY COLE WALTERS
The Ramspondents
After almost two weeks of negotiations, CSU has reached an agreement with the SciFinder database, a key comprehensive database tool for chemists that is heavily utilized in the chemistry department.
SciFinder is a chemist-curated database from the Chemical Abstract Service that offers cultivated analysis and database tools that are important for a variety of departments at CSU, including chemistry, chemical engineering and biotechnology. From undergraduate students to faculty members, losing access to this database would have been a harsh blow to their resources.
“SciFinder is most valuable to graduate students and post-docs; they’re the ones that use it the most,” said Dr. Karen Estlund, the Dean of Libraries at Colorado State University. “Part of why that is is that folks in those roles are expected to be more comprehensive than a faculty member of an undergraduate student. So, those resources are very comprehensive and important to them.”
The initial complications between SciFinder and CSU arose when SciFinder introduced two new conditions that set parameters for AI usage in the context of machine learning and large language models (LLM).
According to Estlund, the following two prohibitions regarding SciFinder’s use were introduced:
Users may not…
Use the product for the purposes of machine learning, algorithmic development, testing or enhancing, or any other artificial intelligence purposes.
Create, use or input any content or other information accessed in or through the product into any Large Language Model (LLM) or related technology regardless of whether such LLM is public or private.
The first prohibition aligned with previous good practices to prevent bulk data harvesting and other malpractices in AI learning. However, the broad language surrounding LLMs in the second prohibition is what raised concern.
This prohibition would have been borderline impossible to implement, as AI has been integrated into the devices, search engines, and Microsoft Office tools that the CSU network operates on.
As the Dean of Libraries at CSU, Estlund was vital in the negotiation process.
“As a public land grant institution, I have the responsibility in finding that contract,” Dr. Estlund said. “I find that on behalf of the Governor. Anything that I find has to be something that the state can defend in court and is something that would not get (CSU) in trouble.”
Estlund was unable to comment on the active negotiations while they were happening; However, as of Monday, Nov. 10, CSU signed a new contract with SciFinder.
In an email to the CSU community, Estlund said the following: “After we made the difficult decision not to sign the initial renewal contract due to AI and LLM language concerns, we released a public statement explaining the problem and our position. The response was significant — both CSU community members and academic library colleagues from research universities nationwide voiced their concerns. In response, CAS reached out and proposed revised contract language that addresses the issues while protecting their content. We appreciate CAS's willingness to engage collaboratively on this complex challenge.”
After almost two weeks of negotiations and public response, SciFinder will remain available to the CSU community. This vital database resource will continue to aid students, researchers, and professors across a variety of departments.
Cole Walters is a junior at Colorado State University majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Science Communication. He has a diverse background in journalism and communication, including social media, written journalism and photojournalism.
Power Trail expansion begins to close gap near Harmony Road
By AVA FRICKE
The Ramspondents
The Power Trail Harmony Crossing Project was scheduled to begin construction Nov. 12. This project will close the gap between Golden Meadows Park and Keenland Drive. It will also provide a safe way to cross Harmony Road via an underpass beneath the roadway. The city is excited about the project and says it is a major step toward providing safe, connected trail access for pedestrians and cyclists.
The initial construction will focus on the Harmony underpass. As the project advances, the Power Trail will be extended north and south of the underpass, toward Keenland Drive and Golden Meadows Park along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor.
The project is expected to be under construction until the spring of 2027. When it is complete, the Power Trail will be continuously paved from Trilby Road to the Spring Creek Trail.
The construction impacts during November and December will include shoulder closures and median work on Harmony Road between McMurry Avenue and Timberline Road. In addition, trees on the south side of Harmony Road along the path of the new underpass and trail section will be removed.
A groundbreaking event for city staff and media is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at Golden Meadows Park, just north of the project site.
For more information about construction and traffic impacts, go to fcgov.com/construction.
Ava Fricke is a political journalist focusing on written media.