This article describes public records request assignments in courses in political science and in Asian American Studies. Beyond commonly known activities like voting, volunteering, signing petitions or peacefully protesting, students should gain experience in exercising their rights to an expansive set of government records that fall within the…

Discusses events that led to the passage of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966. Problems and abuses associated with the law are described with excerpts of the law regarding required disclosures, disclosure under FOIA, fees, and subjects not available under FOIA. Seventeen references are listed. (CHC)

Discusses the history and enforcement of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) along with recent legislative efforts to restrict its use. Examines FOIA guidelines and presents instances in which they have been denied. Urges continued support of the original FOIA legislation. (GEA)

In 1979, "The Washington Post" brought suit against the State Department to compel the release of certain passport information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The State Department had refused release under the "similar files" clause of the Act's Exemption 6, stating that release would be an invasion of privacy. In…

To help individuals, groups, and organizations obtain federal government records on themselves and others, this guidebook interprets the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act. The acts provide access to government data, personal records, and business information. The guidebook presents the texts of both acts, with…

Examines the Reagan administration's use of cost as an argument for amending the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Finds two general problems with the argument: (1) incomplete, inconsistent, and inaccurate reporting of FOIA costs and (2) agency attitudes that affected the cost estimates they presented. (FL)

This issue of "Client" discusses the "Freedom of Information Act" which was enacted in 1966 and amended substantially in 1974. The general philosophy underlying the Act is that all records in the possession of federal government agencies should be available for public inspection. The Act applies to federal agencies, which are…

In recent years, new and powerful legal tools have been forged to get information on social problems into the hands of the public. Yet many people who would put the information to work know little or nothing about the tools for getting it. This book attempts to draw together available information about getting and using public data. It is keyed to…

Journalists and other investigators are daily using declassified government documents to shed light on historical and current events, but few have discovered how to tap the wealth of documents once classified but now in the public realm. An executive order from President Reagan eliminating declassification procedures and allowing released…

Discusses the history of the concept of freedom of information, development of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its fluctuations. Explains how to file a FOIA request, what happens when records are released, and what can be done to improve FOIA. Sidebars list FOIA Web sites and material exempted from FOIA. (AEF)

In considering the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), it is essential to keep in mind that the Act is not, and never could be, a statute with the singleminded purpose of disclosing government information. Many kinds of information that the government has in its possession must be kept confidential to protect important public…

To aid the public in obtaining information and documents from the files of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this guide, written with assistance from the FCC staff, explains which office to approach and in what form to make the request. Ways to obtain informaion by visiting the FCC are explained along with methods for obtaining…

Despite the 1993 White Paper on Open Government and the resulting Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, Britain has a reputation for secrecy and no Freedom of Information Act. Examines the use by government ministers of Public Interest Immunity Certificates to deny litigants access to government documents in the course of…

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a limited tool for science reporters seeking information about federally funded university research. The act applies only to information that is considered a "record" in possession of an "agency," both as defined by the act. Most university research and most universities do not meet the…

Provides an overview of U.S. federal information policy and its treatment of electronic information resources. Highlights include government publications; electronic government information; main providers of government information, including the Government Printing Office; the Freedom of Information Act; public access and use; information…