1 / 21

FOIA Basics and Best Practices for Depository Libraries

This guide covers the fundamentals of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), including filing procedures, assistance resources, OGIS role, exemptions, time limits, fees, appeals, and steps involved in making a request. It provides insights into the FY 2016 FOIA statistics and agencies' compliance. Learn about making a request, addressing fees, providing contact information, and what to expect in the process. Discover where to find assistance, guidance, dispute resolution services, and OGIS compliance reviews. Stay informed about agency assessments, the FOIA Advisory Committee, and annual reports. Contact OGIS for assistance in resolving FOIA disputes and improving compliance.

elundy
Download Presentation

FOIA Basics and Best Practices for Depository Libraries

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. FOIA Basics and Best Practices for Depository Libraries April 21, 2017 ALINA M. SEMO, Director AMY BENNETT, Management and Program Analyst Office of Government Information Services

  2. What we’ll cover today • What is FOIA? • How do I file a FOIA? • Where can I find help with my FOIA request? • What is OGIS’ role in FOIA?

  3. FOIA Basics

  4. FOIA Basics • Nine exemptions • Proactive disclosure requirements and electronic reading rooms • Time limits • Fees and fee waivers • Administrative appeals process • Right of action in District Court

  5. FOIA Fast Facts: FY 2016 • 115 Federal Agencies Subject to FOIA • More than ¾ of a million requests received • 4,263 Full Time FOIA Staff • Agencies collected less than one percent of reported FOIA costs in fees

  6. FOIA Basics • How does it work? • What can I expect?

  7. Making a Request

  8. Making a Request

  9. Making a Request Step 1: Describe the Records

  10. Making a Request • Step 2: Address Fees • Agreement to pay • Fee category • Fee waiver

  11. Making a Request

  12. Making a Request Step 3: Provide contact information

  13. What to Expect • Acknowledgement letter • Tracking number • Possible request to clarify or narrow scope • Possible notice of “unusual circumstances” • Agency Response

  14. Administrative Appeals • 90-day deadline • Directions should be in the agency’s response letter, review agency regulation if needed • Can appeal the thoroughness of the search, fee issues, redactions

  15. Where to Find Assistance • General Guidance (an incomplete list) • FOIA.gov and Department of Justice FOIA Guide • Citizen’s Guide to Using FOIA (House Oversight and Government Reform) • FOIAwiki

  16. Where to Find Assistance • Dispute Resolution Services • Agency FOIA Public Liaisons • Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) • Alternative to litigation, does not preclude litigation • Neutral • Voluntary process

  17. Where to Find Assistance

  18. OGIS FOIA Ombudsman • Provide dispute resolution services to resolve FOIA disputes • Review agencies’ FOIA policies and procedures & identify procedures and methods for improving compliance

  19. OGIS Compliance Review • Agency Assessments • Complete: National Archives, Department of Homeland Security • Ongoing: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau • Scheduled: United States Postal Service and USCIS • Issue Assessments • Self-Assessments

  20. OGIS Continued • FOIA Advisory Committee, Chair • Chief FOIA Officers Council, Co-Chair • Annual Open Meeting • Annual Report • Sunshine Week at the National Archives • Social Media

  21. Contact OGIS www.ogis.archives.gov OGIS@nara.gov (202) 741-5770 (877) 684-6448 @FOIA_ombuds https://foia.blogs.archives.gov

More Related