[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Public Library Reference Desk. How to negotiate a public records state FOI Freedom of Information request.



1. Do not ask the person's name before or on the very
    same heartbeat of ascertaining the content
    requested unless you intend to convey that better
    cooperation is dependent on a person having greater
    stature in the community.

2. After ascertaining the content requested offer
    excellent robust reference desk service and
    throughout the request being negotiated continue
    offering excellent robust reference desk services.

3. Either obtain the information requested or refer to
    someone who will actually be available relatively
    readily rather than a closed door type of library
    official.

4. Check your state and other states' web links for
    public records and records management information
    along with varied Freedom of Information, Open
    Meetings Sunshine principles and Open Government
    groups and organizations web sites. Keep informed.

5. Offer Public Records, Open Public Meetings
    principles and Open Government Public Library
    programming from time to time or from year to year.

6. Check The Library Bill of Rights, Code of Ethics and
    Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference
    and Information Services Professionals
http://www.ala.org/rusa/stnd_behavior.html
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/ethics.html
http://www.ala.org/work/freedom/lbr.html

7. Set up a public library committee of at least 3
    people with differing to review a request.

8. Offer a form for requests.

9. Do not require a FOI request on Reference Desk
    requests.

A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List!

To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to listserv@listserv.muohio.edu
      In body of message:  SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname
                    *or*:  UNSUB ARCHIVES
To post a message, send e-mail to archives@listserv.muohio.edu

Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html

Problems?  Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <rschmidt@lib.muohio.edu>