Journal of Data Science

The Data Science Consulting Program at North Carolina State University Libraries, in partnership with the Data Science and AI Academy, provides comprehensive support for a wide range of tools and software, including R, Python, MATLAB, ArcGIS, and more, to assist students, faculty, and staff with their data-related needs. This paper explores the integration of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, into our consultation services, demonstrating how it enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of addressing numerous and diverse requests. ChatGPT has been instrumental in tasks such as data visualization, statistical analysis, and code generation, allowing consultants to quickly resolve complex queries. The paper also discusses the program’s structured approach to consultations, highlighting the iterative process from initial request to resolution. We address challenges like prompt engineering and response variability, offering best practices to maximize the tool’s potential. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in our data science consultations is expected to expand, improving service quality and the consultant’s ability to handle increasingly complex tasks. The study concludes that ChatGPT is a valuable asset in academic data science, significantly streamlining workflows and broadening the scope of support provided by our program.