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@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@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/>.
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@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@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/>.
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
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@tadl.org (231) 932-8531 On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:34 AM Diane Eisenga via Michlib-l < michlib-l@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@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@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/>.
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
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@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@tadl.org (231) 932-8531
On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:34 AM Diane Eisenga via Michlib-l < michlib-l@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@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@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/>.
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
Very good advice Grace! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@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@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Grace Galvan via Michlib-l Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2024 12:07 PM Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] FBI Visits CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov<mailto:abuse@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@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@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@tadl.org<mailto:smorey@tadl.org> (231) 932-8531 On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:34 AM Diane Eisenga via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@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@mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l@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@michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@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@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l _______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org<mailto:Michlib-l@mcls.org> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
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@mcls.org> wrote:
Very good advice Grace!
Clare
Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
MembielaC@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@mcls.org> *On Behalf Of *Grace Galvan via Michlib-l *Sent:* Thursday, December 19, 2024 12:07 PM *Cc:* michlib-l@mcls.org *Subject:* Re: [Michlib-l] FBI Visits
*CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov <abuse@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@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@tadl.org (231) 932-8531
On Thu, Dec 19, 2024 at 11:34 AM Diane Eisenga via Michlib-l < michlib-l@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@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@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/>.
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
_______________________________________________ Michlib-l mailing list Michlib-l@mcls.org https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
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participants (5)
-
Diane Eisenga -
Grace Galvan -
Leslie Warren -
Membiela, Clare (MDE) -
Scott Morey