This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
1. What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
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 is the Privacy Act?
The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. Section 552a is
a companion to FOIA. It allows individuals access to federal agency records about themselves. It requires that personal information in agency
files be accurate, complete, relevant, and timely. Additionally, each agency must publish a description of each system of records maintained
by the agency that contain personal information.
3. What type of information can I request?
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 agency’s 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?
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?
You can fax, write, or e-mail:
Freedom of Information Act Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M Street NW, 9th Floor
Washington, DC, 20036-5802
Facsimile: 202/653-4625
E-mail: foia@imls.gov
You can also submit
your FOIA request online here.
It is important to include the following information in your request, so that we may answer your request in a timely manner:
- A statement that you are requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
- A clear and specific description of the information you are requesting. If possible, identify dates, subjects, titles, or authors of the
documents requested.
- 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.
- If you are requesting a waiver of fees, please state why you believe you are entitled to the waiver.
- Your contact information, including name, address, phone, fax, and email.
5. What charges apply to process FOIA requests?
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:
- Commercial use requestors must pay all associated costs.
- 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.
- 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?
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?
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 agency’s response was incorrect. Please include a copy of your original request and the agency’s
response. You should be as complete as possible, and there is no charge for filing an administrative appeal. Your letter should be sent to:
IMLS Director
c/o Office of the General Counsel
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M Street NW, 9th Floor
Washington, DC, 20036-5802
Phone: 202/653-4787
Facsimile: 202/653-4625
Annual FOIA Reports
FOIA Regulations & Act
http://www.usdoj.gov/04foia/foiastat.htm
FOIA Officers, FOIA Request Service Centers, and Public
Liaisons
In response to the President’s Executive
Order 13,392 of December 14, 2005 “Improving Agency
Disclosure of Information,” the Institute of Museum
and Library Services (IMLS) designates the following:
CHIEF FOIA COMPLIANCE OFFICER:
Nancy Weiss
202-653-4640
nweiss@imls.gov
FOIA OFFICER:
Mamie Bittner
202-653-4630
mbittner@imls.gov
FOIA REQUEST SERVICE CENTER
PRINCIPAL FOIA CONTACT:
Mae Ridges
202-653-4642
foia@imls.gov
FOIA PUBLIC LIAISONS:
Mamie Bittner
202-653-4630
mbittner@imls.gov
Mae Ridges
202-653-4642
mridges@imls.gov
Annual FOIA Plans
FOIA Electronic Reading Room
Privacy Assessments
Privacy impact assessments are available
through the Office of the Chief Information Officer. Please
contact the Office of Chief Information Officer at 202-653-4767
for further assistance.
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