USA Patriot Act Policy

In order to comply with federal regulations set forth in the U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, the Nottawa Township Library has established the following procedures. These procedures will only be implemented if the library staff is presented with a federal subpoena or search warrant. The U.S.A. Patriot Act supersedes the state of Michigan’s confidentiality law with respect to library circulation records.

Library staff will observe the following procedures when presented with a federal subpoena or search warrant:

1. The staff member who is approached should immediately contact the library director if they cannot supply the information requested. If the staff member can supply what is needed, they will follow steps 5 through 9 listed below. If they cannot comply with the request they will contact the librarian. If unavailable…
2. Contact assistant librarian. If unavailable…
3. Contact Township Attorney. If unavailable…
4. Contact Library Board President. If unavailable…
5. Ask the person presenting the subpoena or search warrant for identification. This will be done by any of the above individuals listed.
6. Call the office of the FBI at (269) 349-9607 to check identity.
7. Ask for the court order or search warrant.
8. Comply with the request and do not interfere with the search and seizure. 
9. Librarians and staff served with a federal search warrant or subpoena, as part of an investigation, may not disclose to anyone its existence except to library staff that will supply the information. They also may not disclose to anyone outside the library, that a federal law enforcement agency obtained what was sought.

Approved by Nottawa Twp. Library Board: 10/29/2003 

To be reviewed: 10/ 2005