Getting Started With Source-Grounded AI

Getting Started With Source-Grounded AI

Getting Started With Source-Grounded AI
The Prompting Lab
Artificial Intelligence

Getting Started With Source-Grounded AI

DateApril 17, 2026, 2:00 PM ET
Duration60 minutes

This session introduces source-grounded AI tools, with a focus on NotebookLM, which generate outputs using only the curated documents provided by the user. Participants will also explore practical ways to approximate retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) in tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot by constraining inputs and structuring prompts.

The session will examine both the opportunities and limitations of source-grounded AI in public sector contexts. Participants will learn how to set up a secure workspace, upload and organize documents, and use core NotebookLM features—such as Mind Maps—to explore dense materials and generate insights that can be used in policy communication.

Participants should bring a publicly available document to use during the session exercises.

 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Explain how source-grounded AI differs from general-purpose AI tools

  • Identify key opportunities and limitations of source-grounded approaches

  • Upload and manage source documents while adhering to public sector data governance standards

  • Use AI-generated mind maps to navigate complex materials and support downstream communication

 

Deborah Stine

Deborah Stine

Senior Fellow, Innovate US

Read bio

This workshop is part of the The Prompting Lab