Bots, Books and Bedtime Stories: Spotting AI-Generated Books in Children’s Collections

Children’s librarians are on the front lines of a rapidly shifting landscape, as generative AI enters children’s publishing and AI-generated books increasingly appear on Amazon, self-publishing platforms, and from library vendors. These titles can be difficult to identify, often mimicking traditional authorship, illustration styles, and series branding while lacking transparency about their creation. This trend raises concerns about the veracity of library collections. This webinar will equip librarians and selectors with practical tools to critically evaluate children’s books for signs of AI generation. Participants will explore real-world examples, discuss ethical and collection development implications, and learn strategies for making informed, defensible decisions that support quality, authenticity, and trust in children’s literature collections.

As a result of this program, attendees will learn how to:

• Identify four common indicators of AI-generated children’s books in print and digital collections.
• Distinguish between acceptable AI-assisted creation and fully AI-generated content when reviewing titles for purchase or retention.
• Make informed, defensible collection decisions using professional standards.

Who will benefit from this program:

• Children’s and Youth Services Librarians
• Collection Development Librarians
• School Librarians and Media Specialists
• Library Administrators developing AI policy

Instructor: Kira Smith has been a Virtual Reference Specialist with Florida’s Ask A Librarian service for over 16 years and is a recipient of multiple Exemplary Reference Awards. In addition to her work in virtual reference, Kira freelances as a research consultant for journalists, providing fact-finding, source verification, and background research. She also regularly designs and presents professional development webinars for librarians, focusing on online reference, information literacy, and emerging issues affecting library practice. Kira’s professional background includes experience as an elementary school teacher and a certified childbirth educator. She is particularly interested in how new technologies — including generative AI — affect information quality, trust, and decision-making in library collections.

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9617728212943/WN_2e3AqnGbSrWlPRNSOWEr3A. Sessions are free and available only to members of the Michigan library community. Registrants will receive instructions and a link to attend the session directly from PCI after they register.

PCI Webinars are recorded and available to members of the Michigan library community in the Library of Michigan's Niche Staff Skills Academy about a week after they air. New webinars will be in the New category for several weeks. You do not need to register for a webinar in order to view it later in the Staff Skills Academy.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.