[Michlib-l] FBI Visits

Thu Dec 19 12:21:59 EST 2024

The American Library Association has guidance for libraries who receive
inquiries from law enforcement, including a phone number to be connected to
an attorney if you need one.

https://www.ala.org/advocacy/privacy/lawenforcement/inquiries

Leslie

Leslie A. Warren
Dean | Library and Instructional Support
Northern Michigan University
906-227-2117
1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
*Pronouns: she, her, hers*

*Northern Michigan University is located on the ancestral homelands of the
Anishinaabe, Three Fires Confederacy, anhonored alliance of the Ojibwe,
Odawa, and Bodewadmik (Potowatomi) peoples*.

On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 12:17 PM Membiela, Clare (MDE) via Michlib-l <
michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:

> Very good advice Grace!
>
>
>
> Clare
>
>
>
> Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
>
> Library Law Consultant
>
> Library of Michigan
>
> 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).*
>
> [image: 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 <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> 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
> (231) 932-8531
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:34 AM Diane Eisenga via Michlib-l <
> 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> 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
> <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
>
> 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).*
>
> [image: 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/>.
>
>
>
>
>
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