Title: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Source/Sponsoring Agency: United States. National Archives and Records Administration

URL: http://www.archives.gov/foia/

Date Checked: 8/20/2009      Status: Active

Date Annotated: 8/20/2009

Topics: Administrative Law

Other keywords: Information Law; Freedom of Information Act; FOIA; NARA; Government Records, Government Property

Contents: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is responsible for preserving documents and materials generated in the course of business by the United States federal government. Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), all executive branch records in its legal custody are to be made available to any person upon request, with the exception of some statutory exemptions. The FOIA website makes available all of the information and resources necessary for visitors to understand and implement a FOIA request, including such materials as the text of the Freedom of Information Act itself (5 U.S.C. 552), the FOIA Regulations (36 CFR 1250), and current and archived FOIA Annual Reports. An Electronic Reading Room contains ready access to records that are frequently requested under FOIA, together with additional materials routinely made available to the public, including National Archives Operational Records and Policy Statements and Manuals. Most helpful is the National Archives and Records Administration Freedom of Information Act Reference Guide designed to familiarize visitors with the logistical procedures for making a FOIA request. It explains which materials are available without a FOIA request, where and how to submit one’s request, typical response times, the current fee schedule, an explanation of the various factors that are taken into account when considering a FOIA request, notice of one’s right to a judicial review if a request is denied, and a sample form letter for use in making one’s request. A well-functioning search feature allows visitors to search all of NARA’s web pages, or the current FOIA section only. An advanced search provides the option to narrow one’s search to the text of the body, the URL, the title name, the link, or by several other fields. Each page provides print, email and bookmarking options, and a link to submit one’s FOIA request electronically via email is available throughout the site.

Author of Annotation: A. Emerson