Montana Commission Uses AI to Review Library Titles
The Montana State Library Commission is testing AI tools to analyze viewpoint diversity in local library acquisitions.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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During an October 14, 2026, meeting, the Montana State Library Commission explored using large language models to assess the political balance of library collections. Commissioner Tom Burnett utilized AI to analyze nonfiction acquisitions at the Miles City Public Library to identify potential biases in selection.
Why it matters
Commissioners are investigating methods to ensure diverse viewpoints in library materials to maintain public trust. The initiative stems from concerns that the personal views of book selectors might result in underrepresented perspectives in state-funded collections.
An AI-based analysis of Miles City Public Library nonfiction titles classified books along a spectrum of viewpoints, yielding a ratio of 33 progressive titles to 10 traditional titles. This technical audit of collection content utilizes large language models to categorize library acquisitions.
The players
Montana State Library Commission
This body oversees library policies and funding strategies across the state of Montana.
Tom Burnett
He is a commissioner who pioneered the use of artificial intelligence to analyze the philosophical diversity of library book acquisition lists.
Miles City Public Library
This local institution served as the test site for the commission's recent analysis of nonfiction book acquisitions.
The details
Commissioners emphasized that library collection policies are managed at the local level and confirmed that the commission does not ban titles from collections. Library representatives continue to manage holdings based on circulation data, patron requests, and feedback from the local community.
Timeline
August 2022: The commission adopted the Freedom to Read statement.
December 2024: The commission voted to remove the Freedom to Read statement.
February 2026: Commissioner Cuthbertson led a neutrality discussion.
September 2026: Commissioner Burnett requested book acquisition lists.
October 14, 2026: The commission held a business meeting in Miles City.
The Tech Race
The use of AI for content auditing reflects a broader technological shift in how public institutions attempt to monitor and enforce ideological balance. This approach replaces manual, anecdotal review processes with algorithmic classification to shape local library management strategies.
The commission's evaluation methods may influence the types of books available on shelves at local libraries across the state. Residents should monitor these policy discussions as they could eventually impact the range of materials accessible to minors and the public in their own communities.
The takeaway
The use of AI to audit public library collections represents an emerging trend in how oversight bodies evaluate neutrality in institutional resources. Readers should observe how these automated analyses affect the selection policies governing the books available in their local libraries.
What happens next
The commission plans to address parental concerns, children's access to materials, and library responsibilities during its scheduled meeting in December.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts regarding Artificial Intelligence usage in the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miles City Star.
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