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A Guide to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
This
guide answers the most frequently asked questions about the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA).
1.
What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Section 552, is a federal
law established in 1966 to give private citizens greater access to government
information. It requires that federal agencies disclose the fullest possible
amount of information to the public, subject to certain exemptions.
2.
What type of information can I request?![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
FOIA requests may be used to obtain agency records, which
include a wide variety of documents and other materials (including print,
photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by
a Federal agency and are, at the time the FOIA request is filed, in the
agencys possession and control. However, FOIA excludes certain categories
of records from disclosure, including materials related to national security,
internal agency rules, proprietary business information, inter- and intra-agency
communications that are protected by legal privileges, and personal privacy.
3.
Can I access agency records without filing a FOIA request?![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
Yes. Many IMLS publications and much grant-related information are available
to the public without the need to make a formal FOIA request. A great
deal of this information, including publications, sample application narratives,
reviewer handbooks, and grant recipients, is readily accessible on this
website.
4.
How do I make a FOIA request?![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
You can make your request in writing to:
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Freedom of Information Act Officer
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC, 20506
It is important to include the following information in your request,
so that we may answer your request in a timely manner:
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
A statement that you
are requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). |
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
A clear and specific
description of the information you are requesting. If possible, identify
dates, subjects, titles, or authors of the documents requested. |
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
An explanation of what
the information will be used for (i.e. scholarly purpose, commercial
use, personal use). This will help us determine what fees, if any,
to charge you for the information. |
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
If you are requesting
a waiver of fees, please state why you believe you are entitled to
the waiver. |
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
Your contact information,
including name, address, phone, fax, and email. |
5.
What charges apply to process FOIA requests?![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
Information requests may result in costs to the agency, such as search,
review, duplication, computer programming, delivery, and special handling.
The costs will be relayed to the requestor, according to the following
cases:
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
Commercial use requestors
must pay all associated costs. |
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
Those requesting information
for media use, educational research, or private or non-profit receive
100 pages of duplication and two hours of search and review free of
charge. The remaining costs, and fees associated with computer programming,
special handling, and delivery must be paid. |
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
![](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/primary/red_bull.gif) |
You may request a waiver
of all fees if your request is likely to contribute to public
understanding of the operation or activities of government and is
not primarily in the commercial interest of the requestor. |
6.
How quickly will you respond to my request?![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
IMLS makes every effort to respond to your request as quickly as possible.
The law requires that federal agencies respond to you within 20 days of
the receipt of the request, excluding weekends and holidays. Especially
complex or voluminous requests may need additional time. If your request
cannot be answered within the twenty day period, you will be contacted
to either narrow your request to allow for a timelier response, or to
accept a delay in delivery.
7.
May I appeal if my FOIA request is denied?![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
If your FOIA request is denied, you have the right to appeal to the head
of the agency. You may also appeal the following decisions regarding your
request: a decision to withhold materials; a rejection of a fee waiver
request; the type or amount of fees charged; or for any other type of
adverse determination.
Appealing is a straightforward procedure. Simply write a letter including
a description of your original request, the reason for your appeal, and
why you believe the agencys response was incorrect. Please include
a copy of your original request and the agencys response. You should
be as complete as possible, and there is no charge for filing an administrative
appeal. Your letter should be sent to:
![spacer image used to assist interface](/peth04/20041015052949im_/http://www.imls.gov/images/spacer.gif)
IMLS Director
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20506
Phone: 202/606-8536
2003
FOIA Report
2002
FOIA Report
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