[Michlib-l] FOIA Requests

[Dave Ewick]

Hi Nancy,

I know I shouldn't speak for everyone, but in this case my sense is that the library community would usually gladly respond to an individual's request, or even that of a group - but many of us feel this is just an exercise that wastes time because it's such a blanket request across the state.  It feels like the folks at Open the Books have targeted us for no reason other than to see how we respond.  So, we balk.  

Also, because the request asks for personnel info, I know I worry about giving too much data to an unknown entity.  I'm kind of protective of my own, and my staff members', personal data.  

I am lucky in that SPL is a department of our City, so I just turned the letter over to our City Clerk, who will take care of the issue.  Smaller libraries may worry about having to jump through hoops to get the info.  FOIA requests are inherently 'scary' if you don't get them often.  They can make one wonder what one did 'wrong' to illicit the request, and whether there's a lawsuit coming later.  

So, that's my take on the push back.  Libraries are indeed pretty transparent, and almost all the librarians I know are pro-transparency. This request just feels wrong.  

Best to all,
Dave 

David L. Ewick, MLS, MS
City Librarian
Southfield Public Library
26300 Evergreen
Southfield, Michigan 48076
248 796-4300
dewick at southfieldlibrary.org 
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>>> Nancy Studebaker-Barringer <director at nileslibrary.net> 4/21/2017 7:36 AM >>>
We received the FOIA request from OpenTheBooks that has been much discussed. We complied and sent info as requested. We use Quickbooks and it to about 20 minutes for the bookkeeper to export a report and make a few changes as requested. We have about 25 employees. 

I don't understand why there is so much resistance to just responding to the request. It seems some folks are spending more time trying to wiggle out of it or outsmart the folks making the request - than it would take to just comply and fulfill the information request. 

I believe in the value of transparency in government- even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable for me and mine. 

NSB
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