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Chris Sharpe
MLIS 7100
Week 12
Source:
A Citizen’s Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act
of 1974 to Request Government Records: First Report. Washington, D.C.: GPO, 1999.
Format:
Print; 84 p.
Microfiche, 76 p.
Online through GPO access
Scope:
Intended to serve as a general introduction to the Freedom of Information Act and
the Privacy Act of 1974. It allows those who are unfamiliar with the laws to understand
the process and make a request.
Relation to similar works:
This 1999 edition is the eighth edition and includes updates on the changes made
to the laws. The FOI service center, a project of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the
Press, has also published a guide called How to Use the Federal FOI Act.
Authority:
The Committee on Government Reform chaired by Dan Burton. The report was
based on a study by the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and
Technology.
Treatment:
A good resource with step by step instructions and advice for people interested in
making a FOIA request and for people wanting an overview of the Acts and request
process.
Arrangement:
Includes a preface, introduction and recommendations. There is a section on how
to use the guide followed by information on both acts. Appendixes include sample
request and appeal letters as well as the text of both acts.
Special features:
N/A
Cost:
$6.00 for the 1999 8th edition. $7.00 for later editions.
Free online from GPO access database.
Chris Sharpe
MLIS 7100
Week 12
Source:
THOMAS. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress. Available:
http://thomas.loc.gov.
Format:
Online resource
Scope:
Covers legislative information from the Library of Congress: Bills and
resolutions; Activity in Congress; Congressional Record; Schedules and Calendars;
Committee information; Presidential nominations; treaties; government resources and
teacher information.
Relation to similar works:
Proquest Historical Newspapers provides full-text content of several major U.S.
newspapers including the New York Times, but no index and does not include the
London Times.
Authority:
Library of Congress
Treatment:
Valuable resource for citizens, teachers, students and researchers. It provides full
text of bills from 1989 to present as well as summaries since 1973. The site also offers
great links to other government resources.
Arrangement:
The menu on the left is divided by type of information. Also on the left are links
to the House of Representatives, Senate and U.S. Code as well as related sources from the
Library of Congress.
At the center of the main page there is a search for bills by keywords, phrase or
number. Under that search there is a browse option for bills by searching representatives
or senators. There are also links to other legislation and activities.
At the right side of the page there are links to current activity and learning about
government bodies and documents.
Special Features:
There is a section for that includes activities, lesson plans and primary sources for
teachers. There are also links to webcasts on various subjects from the Library of
Congress.
Cost: Free