Redbook NLM Exercise

Now we're going to use a specialized tool, NotebookLM (NLM).  

What makes it special are the following features

• It looks at only sources the author has selected - NOT the general web

• It is much less liable to "hallucinate"

• If it makes a statement you can hover over the icon next to the statement and see the actual source text

• In the "Studio" panel on the right there can be may be very useful extracts or summaries of the information: Mindmap, Slide Show, Podcast, Reports

Today we're only going to learn how to  use a NLM, not how to create one. 

• There will be an optional 60-min session next week at the same time  and place if you're interested.  In the course assessment you'll be asked if you want to attend that session.

• Note: You'll need to be logged in to your Gmail account to use NLM.

We're going to use an NLM I created using the new, official POA Red Book and several other documents. The exercises assume you'll be using that NLM.

Our first exercise is to find information. Remember, it should only show information that is in the "source documents" (see them in the left panel).

1. Select the chat panel (centered word near the top)

2. Prompt where it says "Start typing ...."

   1. "What is the front desk"

• This gives you lots of information about the front desk

2. 2. "what is the front desk phone number"

• This is much more focused because you were specific with the prompt.

2. 3. "who is Barak Obama"

• It doesn't know, because that information isn't in the sources.

Now we'll see the effect of changing which sources are used.

1. In Chat (still with "all sources") give the prompt

   1. "How do I pause package deliveries"

• It will give you very detailed instructions focusing on Package Concierge, and adding information about USPS.

2. Select the Sources panel (left-hand word near the top)

3. Uncheck "Select All Sources"

4. Check "Red Book 2025 Official.pdf" and only that source

5. Change back to the Chat panel (center word near the top)

6. Prompt where it says "Start typing ...."

   1. "How do I pause package deliveries" - the same prompt

• It will give you some information, but not nearly as detailed.

• This is because the "Package Concierge FAQ 2025-11-14" source is not enabled.

General rule - keep all the sources checked.  Only uncheck for a specific reason.

Now we'll explore the specialized tools that the creator of the NLM has given us.  In this case I created them.

• Prospective Owners Audio

  • A podcast-format discussion focused on what new owners should know

  • The room will probably be noisy. Click on the right side to stop it. 

• The Philadelphian Owners' Association Handbook

  • A "mindmap" of themes in the document that you can expand to see more detail

• Governance Hierarchy

  • A report on how the POA is governed, including state laws
    
    

1. Select the Studio panel (right word near the top)

2. Click on the tools and explore them

• Think about what NLMs you might like to create from your documents, or from trusted documents on the web.