[Michlib-l] FBI Visits

Membiela, Clare (MDE) MembielaC at michigan.gov
Thu Dec 19 12:14:02 EST 2024


Very good advice Grace!

Clare

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
MembielaC at michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC at michigan.gov>
517-335-8132

The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

“the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965).
[Michigan.gov/Vote logo   Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.


From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> On Behalf Of Grace Galvan via Michlib-l
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2024 12:07 PM
Cc: michlib-l at mcls.org
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] FBI Visits

CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse at michigan.gov<mailto:abuse at michigan.gov>

Just a thought on preparing for possible visits, practice your talking points before you need them. I personally find it helps me feel more prepared, and I fumble less.
Grace
Shelby Township Library

On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:53 AM Scott Morey via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>> wrote:
Diane,

Here is our policy:
https://www.tadl.org/policies/302-3d-printing-policy

While we would never knowingly print something that would result in harm to others, this news re: FBI visits is making me think I need to have a conversation re: how long we keep logs of our 3D printing requests. Embarrassed to admit I've never really thought about that much, but now I am thinking some sort of routine purging of these records might be in our best interest.

Crazy times!

Cheers,

Scott W. Morey
he/him/his
Assistant Director for Technology
Traverse Area District Library
smorey at tadl.org<mailto:smorey at tadl.org>
(231) 932-8531


On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:34 AM Diane Eisenga via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>> wrote:
Does anyone have a policy on a 3D printer that they use and can share?  We currently do not have a policy in place for that.
Thanks!
Diane


Diane Eisenga, Director
McBain Community Library
231-825-2197


On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:19 AM Membiela, Clare (MDE) via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>> wrote:
Hello!

It has come to our attention that some libraries in Michigan have been receiving visits from their local FBI offices.

Agents have been specifically interested in Maker Spaces and 3d printers, the library policies for what can or cannot be made,  and how the library maintains the digital files used to create items and tracks usage and users.

It seems that most of the conversations are concerned with  “ghost guns” and parts, Drone parts, bomb making parts, and other weaponization techniques.

It can be surprising and intimidating to have a federal agent show up at your library, so it is probably a good idea to review your policies for talking to law enforcement, policies on library privacy and what can be divulged, and ensure that staff are knowledgeable about such policies.   It is also a good idea to touch base with your library’s legal counsel to determine the best way to manage such a visit.

If an agent requests any files or documents, a library absolutely should consult their attorney. Violation of the Library Privacy Act https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-455-of-1982  can result in stiff penalties for improper disclosure of library records.

Thanks!
Clare


Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
MembielaC at michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC at michigan.gov>
517-335-8132

The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

“the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965).
[Michigan.gov/Vote logo      Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.


_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list
Michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l at mcls.org>
https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list
Michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l at mcls.org>
https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list
Michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l at mcls.org>
https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail3.mcls.org/pipermail/michlib-l/attachments/20241219/553d3894/attachment.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 12580 bytes
Desc: image001.png
URL: <http://mail3.mcls.org/pipermail/michlib-l/attachments/20241219/553d3894/attachment.png>


More information about the Michlib-l mailing list