How a historian can use AI, task by task

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.

Context: We use Archival databases and Archives Wiki; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Research question: [what the data should show]
Archives or sources: [site reports, records, collections]

List the types of records likely to help, how to search each archive, how to record provenance, and gaps to expect.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.

Context: We use Archival databases and ArchiveGrid; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [event, place, period]
Sources I can reach: [archives, collections, online]

Suggest primary sources to find, search terms, a timeline structure, and how to judge source reliability.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and Statistical analysis software; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.

Context: We use Archival databases and ArchiveGrid; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [event, place, period]
Sources I can reach: [archives, collections, online]

Suggest primary sources to find, search terms, a timeline structure, and how to judge source reliability.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.

Context: We use Archival databases and ArchiveGrid; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [event, place, period]
Sources I can reach: [archives, collections, online]

Suggest primary sources to find, search terms, a timeline structure, and how to judge source reliability.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Survey: [topic, population]
Resources: [budget, staff]

Draft sampling, procedures and timeline. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.

Context: We use ESRI ArcGIS software and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.

Context: We use Archival databases and ArchiveGrid; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [event, place, period]
Sources I can reach: [archives, collections, online]

Suggest primary sources to find, search terms, a timeline structure, and how to judge source reliability.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and Audio editing software; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Exhibit: [topic, space]
Audience: [visitors]

Suggest a layout, flow, and display ideas. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.

Context: We use Archives Wiki and National Archives online databases; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [event, place, period]
Sources I can reach: [archives, collections, online]

Suggest primary sources to find, search terms, a timeline structure, and how to judge source reliability.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.

Context: We use Archival databases and ArchiveGrid; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Research question: [what the data should show]
Archives or sources: [site reports, records, collections]

List the types of records likely to help, how to search each archive, how to record provenance, and gaps to expect.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.

Context: We use Archival databases and ArchiveGrid; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [event, place, period]
Sources I can reach: [archives, collections, online]

Suggest primary sources to find, search terms, a timeline structure, and how to judge source reliability.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to interview people to gather information about historical events and to record oral histories.

Context: The work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
What I need to learn: [topic]
Who I'll ask: [type of people]
Method: [interview, survey, observation]

Draft the questions or observation checklist, sampling tips, and a template for recording answers. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [theory, method]
Students: [level]

Plan a class with readings, discussion and assessment. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and Statistical analysis software; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

I work as a historian. Part of my job is to translate or request translation of reference materials.

Context: We use Reference management software; the work draws on history and archeology, geography and sociology and anthropology.
Text: [paste, no personal data]
Language and audience: [describe]

Translate and note terms that need a human check. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.