Activate NotebookLM with your Chico State Google Account

 NotebookLM will be available for campus users after January 16th, 2025.

Quick Links: | AI Usage Guidelines for NotebookLM | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting |

NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and note-taking tool developed by Google Labs. It helps users manage and organize their documents by summarizing content, answering questions, and offering audio overviews. Chico State users have access to the basic version of NotebookLM, which is designed to support academic and creative projects. This guide explains how to access and use NotebookLM with your Chico State Google account.

Chico State AI Usage Guidelines for NotebookLM

The Notebook LM service is not approved for inputting, generating, or interacting with any information classified by the CSU Chico Data Classification Standard as Level 1 (PII) – Confidential data or Level 2 – Internal Use.

Examples of Level 1 (PII) data include (and is not limited to) information that is governed by existing law or statute, such as an individual’s social security number and name, credit card number and cardholder name, or an individual’s driver’s license and name.

Examples of Level 2 – Internal Use data include (and is not limited to) information that is protected because of ethical or privacy concerns, such as grades, test scores, university transcripts, disciplinary actions, student ID photos, or information that is protected by FERPA.

Copyrighted works, including images, messages, or similar content, may not be uploaded to AI services without the copyright owner’s expressed permission.

Prerequisites

Before using NotebookLM, ensure you meet the following requirements:

  • A Chico State Google account.
  • Internet access to visit the NotebookLM website.
  • Documents or content to upload for summarization or research.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To use NotebookLM with your Chico State Google account, follow these steps:

Sign in to NotebookLM

  1. Open your preferred web browser and go to https://notebooklm.google/.
  2. Click Try NotebookLM and log in with your Chico State Google account.
    • If you are logged into a different Google account, switch accounts by clicking your profile picture at the top-right of the screen and selecting Add another account. Then enter your Chico State credentials.
  3. Once signed in, you’ll see the NotebookLM interface.

Create a Notebook

To begin working with NotebookLM, you’ll need to add your content as a source. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a new Notebook.
  2. In the "Add Sources" dialog box, choose one of the following options:
    • Drag and Drop: Drag files into the upload area.
    • Choose File: Select a file from your computer. Supported formats include PDF, .txt, Markdown, and audio files (e.g., .mp3).
    • Google Drive: Import files directly from your Google Drive, including Google Docs and Slides.
    • Links and Websites: Add a link to a webpage or YouTube video.
    • Paste or Copied Text: Paste content directly into the input field.
  3. Uploaded content will appear in the Sources panel.
  4. Additional sources can be added by choosing Add Source.

Use NotebookLM Features

Once your sources are added, you can use the following features to interact with and organize your content:

  • Summarize Content:

    1. Select a source document from the Sources panel.
    2. The summary will appear in the Chat panel. Use it to quickly understand the key points of the document.

  • Ask Questions:

    1. Use the text box at the bottom of the Chat panel to ask questions about the document (e.g., "What is the main argument of this paper?").
    2. NotebookLM will respond with an answer based on the uploaded content.

  • Generate an Audio Overview:

    1. Go to the Studio panel on the right-hand side.
    2. Under Audio Overview, click Generate to create an audio version of the summary.
    3. Customize audio settings if needed.

  • Save and Organize Notes:

    1. Click Save to note in the Chat panel to save any generated summaries or responses.
    2. Saved notes will appear in the Notes section on the right-hand side.
    3. Organize notes into formats like study guides, briefing documents, FAQs, or timelines by selecting the appropriate option in the Notes panel.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using NotebookLM:

  • Login Problems: Ensure you’re using your Chico State Google account. If you cannot log in, check that your account is active and your password is correct. Contact DoIT if issues persist.
  • File Upload Errors: Confirm that the file format is supported and within size limits.
  • Feature Limitations: Note that Chico State users only have access to the basic version of NotebookLM. Features like higher usage limits and advanced options are only available in NotebookLM Plus, which is not accessible with Chico State accounts.

Still need help? If you run into problems or still need help, visit the NotebookLM Support Page or reach out to Learning Technology Services. 

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