A Researchers Guide to the Freedom of Information Act.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) eliminated the "need to know" requirement for access to information, requiring agencies to give notice of file contents and make records available to all persons. Agencies are required to make available final opinions, statements of policy and interpretations, and staff manuals that affect a member of the public, as well as other records. To enable researchers to locate information, FOIA contains provisions which require agencies to publish organizational descriptions and directions for gaining access to information. Agencies are also required to compile indexes of materials which establish policies or precedents affecting the public. Formal requests for material and appeals should be made by letter to the agency. If the agency denies an appeal, the requestor has the right of judicial review. Exemptions from FOIA include (1) classified national defense and foreign policy documents; (2) internal personnel rules and practices; (3) information exempt under other laws; (4) confidential business information; (5) internal communications; (6) personnel and medical files; (7) investigatory files; (8) financial institutions information; and (9) geological information concerning wells. The text of FOIA and a bibliography are appended. (CWM)