What features in HeinOnline use Generative AI?
HeinOnline uses Generative AI exclusively to create concise summaries of articles, notes, and comments within the Law Journal Library. These summaries are designed to help users quickly determine the relevance of scholarly content during research.
At this time, the summaries feature cannot be disabled for individual users or across institutional accounts.
What language models (LLMs) does HeinOnline use?
HeinOnline employs a multi-model architecture that integrates fine-tuned, open-weight language models developed specifically for the unique linguistic, citation, and contextual characteristics of legal scholarship.
This approach ensures that AI-generated summaries maintain the accuracy, tone, and contextual integrity required for legal and academic research.
What data is used as input for Generative AI features?
All AI-generated summaries are derived solely from HeinOnline’s own legal research materials. No external, user-generated, or institution-provided data is transmitted to or used by the models.
HeinOnline’s AI processes also employ:
- Structured prompt engineering
- Controlled context limits
- Intelligent content chunking
These methods ensure summaries are coherent, relevant, and faithful to the original material.
How is data secured during AI operations?
All AI-related processes occur entirely within Hein’s encrypted internal network. Access to systems is managed through:
- Multi-layer authentication
- Role-based authorization controls
- Zero-trust access enforcement tools
These measures ensure that only authenticated and policy-compliant devices and users can interact with internal AI resources.
What security testing has been performed?
HeinOnline’s AI infrastructure undergoes the same rigorous internal security reviews, network vulnerability testing, and access audits as its core production environment.
These assessments verify:
- System isolation
- Data integrity
- Network protection
All AI systems must meet Hein’s established security and compliance standards before deployment.
Does HeinOnline’s AI system use or learn from user data?
No. The summaries feature operates in inference-only mode, meaning the models do not learn from user interactions or behavior.
HeinOnline’s language models are not retrained or modified based on user activity, search patterns, or institutional data.
Is the AI summaries feature in beta?
No. The AI-powered summaries feature is fully deployed and in production for all users of the Law Journal Library.
How will HeinOnline communicate changes to its AI systems or policies?
HeinOnline will announce any material changes to its AI functionality, model architecture, or security practices through official Knowledge Base articles and product announcements.
Who owns the AI-generated content?
All AI-generated summaries are derivative informational aids designed to support research and discovery. These summaries, and the AI systems that produce them, are the intellectual property of William S. Hein & Co., Inc. HeinOnline does not claim ownership of any external or user-generated content.