Presenter urges AI-assisted book-rating policy for libraries; board hears state-law, implementation questions

Casey Peterson presented a draft policy to the board proposing a districtwide content rating system for school library books, arguing AI tools can rapidly screen titles and produce age-appropriate ratings.

Peterson said volunteers in other New Mexico districts had identified large numbers of books they considered sexually explicit and argued for a consistent standard: "With AI now, simple click of a button within 10 seconds or less, you can have a rating for every single one of these books," he said, and proposed using district-defined definitions for categories such as sexually explicit content or graphic violence. He described the idea as analogous to film and video-game ratings and said legislative support at the state level could set consistent standards across districts.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the proposal’s mechanics and oversight. Peterson and his co-presenter emphasized that AI would do the initial screening but that the district or law would define the final standards and that human review would be required for any flagged titles. The presenter cited volunteer counts from nearby districts (ranges presented without supporting lists in the meeting) as motivation for a systematized review process.

District response in meeting: no board action was taken on the proposal during the session; presenters were asked to provide more detail on who would make final determinations, how AI outputs would be audited, and whether the district would create appeal or reconsideration procedures.

What to watch: If the board elects to pursue the concept it will need draft policy language that specifies (1) definitions the district will use for restricted content categories, (2) a human-review process and appeal steps, and (3) legal review to ensure compliance with state and federal educational and free-expression law.