The Library Director Serves as the FOIA Coordinator for the Branch District Library System.

All requests must be submitted in writing to the library FOIA Coordinator and signed by the requester. Requests for records should be as specific as possible. Library users' private information and Library records that identify an individual as having requested or obtained certain materials from the Library are protected from disclosure in accordance with the Michigan Library Privacy Act.

Section 10 of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act provides for appeals of decisions to deny access to public records. If the Branch District Library makes a final determination to deny all or a portion of a request for library business records, the requester may submit to the Library Board a written appeal that specifically states the word "appeal" and identifies the reason or reasons the denial should be reversed.

In compliance with Michigan Freedom of Information Act, requests for Library records will be filled for a fee. This fee may cover expenses related to research, review, copying and mailing of documents, if these services are requested under the FOIA.

The fee for copies will be $ 0.15 per page for each page needed to fulfill the request. In addition, there will be a charge of the hourly rate currently earned by the lowest paid employee capable of copying the requested materials, billed at a minimum of 1/10th of an hour, or the actual amount, whichever is greater.

If a person wishes to examine the records without having the records duplicated, an appointment must be made for viewing during normal business hours. The Library may make reasonable rules to protect its records and to prevent excessive and unreasonable interference with the discharge of its functions.

In some instances where original documents contain exempt information, the exempt material will be redacted and copies made for inspection. There still will be a fee charged for the cost of searching for and reviewing the original records, and for making the redacted copies.

Generally speaking, requests for a single copy of a particular budget, report, minutes, or other discrete and readily identified items not exceeding 10 pages covered by the Act will be provided without fee. Some such records are already published on the Library web site and may be viewed without a fee at any time.

The library will respond to a FOIA request within five business days after receipt of the request.

Adopted by the BDLS Board on August 20, 2007