Written Public Summary of the Library’s Freedom of Information Act Procedures and Guidelines

Library documents and records shall be available to the public in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq, (“FOIA”). Costs associated with responding to a request will be charged to the requester.

1. How to Submit Written Requests
FOIA requests to Seville Township Library can be sent by email or mail to:
Email: Sevilletownshiplibrary@gmail.com
Seville Township Library
6734 N. Lumberjack Road
P.O. Box 160
Riverdale, MI 488877
Requests should include a name, phone and fax number, and mailing address.

2. How to Understand FOIA Request Responses

Seville Township Library has several options when responding to a FOIA request. The request may be granted, denied, granted or denied in part, or take one 10 business day extension. After the extension, the FOIA request will receive one of the later responses.

If the request is granted, or granted/denied in part, Seville Township Library may charge a fee to process the request. There is no fee for requests that do not require Seville Township Library to incur costs above the threshold set in our Procedures and Guidelines. Fees are calculated using its procedures and guidelines, and the FOIA requester will receive a detailed itemization of the fee. Seville Township Library may require the requester to pay a good-faith deposit before processing the request. After payment of any deposit and final balance due, Seville Township Library will produce records in our procession that fall within the scope of your request and that legally may be disclosed to the public.

If the request is denied, Seville Township Library will inform you of the basis for its denial in written notice. Reasons the request may be denied include:
1. You did not describe the records you have requested well enough and the Library cannot determine what you are asking for.
2. The Library has determined that it does not have records that respond to your request in its possession;
3. The records do not exist (The Library is not required to create new public records to satisfy a request, nor make a summary or compilation of information); or
4. The records you have requested are exempt from public disclosure under FOIA or another state/federal statue or regulation.
If all or part of request is denied, Seville Township Library will inform you of your right to appeal its denial to the Seville Township Library Board.
3. Deposit Requirements
If Seville Township Library estimates a fee to process a FOIA request greater than $50.00, the Library will require a good-faith deposit from you before providing the public records. The deposit shall not exceed half of the total estimated fee. 
4. Fee Calculations

The FOIA permits Seville Township Library to charge a fee to process FOIA requests using a form to give you a detailed itemization of the costs involved. The Library may charge for the following costs:

1. The costs of labor for the search, location, and examination of the records. Cost related to hourly wage of lowest paid employee.
2. The costs of labor for the review of public records and separation and deletion of exempt from nonexempt material. Cost related to hourly wage of lowest paid employee.
3. The cost of non-paper physical media;
4. The cost of duplication and publication of public records ($0.10).
5. The costs of labor for the duplication or publication of public records;
6. The actual cost of mailing public records
The first $20.00 of a fee will be waived if a requester submits an affidavit of indigency. The requester must include a statement that the request is not being made in conjunction with outside parties in exchange for payment or other remuneration.

5. Avenue for Challenge and Appeal

If Seville Township Library charges a fee that you feel is too high, or denies all or part of a request, you may submit to the Library Board a written appeal that specifically states the word “appeal” and identifies the basis for which the fee should be reduced or the nondisclosure determination should be reversed. Written appeals may be sent to the email address or mailing address listed and will be forwarded.

6. FOIA Summary
The Seville Township Library maintains a website at http://www.seville.ploud.net . The Library’s guidelines and procedures, and public summary is available at no charge through this website. This link may be provided in lieu of providing paper copies in response to a written request, MCL 15.234(4).