How do i use the "Freedom of information act" to find information?

Question

I'm a student and i'd like to do some research on historical events. I've never used this channel before and i'm new at requesting information.

Answer 1

You have unlimited access to information as long as you do not violate the rights of others.

Answer 2

You don't use the Freedom of Information act to find ordinary information that is readily available from open sources, such as the internet, or books, research papers, etc.

The Freedom Of Information Act (Title 5 U.S.Code Section 552) is used to obtain records held in US Federal departments and agencies, but which you have not been able to secure otherwise. You have to find out WHICH agency would have the information you are interested in, and send a letter to the department of that agency that deals with "FOIA" requests. You have to specify WHAT you are seeking with some specificity, so that the agency can conduct a search to determine what is available in their files. They may charge you a set cost of each page they photocopy, and then mail it to you. If there are documents they believe are exempt from public disclosure under one of the exceptions to the Freedom Of Information Act, they may redact (black out) the privileged information, or refuse to release any of some documents, if they involve classified military or diplomatic information, or on-going criminal investigations, employees personnel matters,etc,

Here is a text of the exact law (5 U.S.C. 552 ) , with latest additions:

http://www.hrsa.gov/foia/foiatext.htm

Here is a website of one agency (US Dept. Of Health & Human Services), that lists the major exemptions from release of documents under the FOIA. Most of the other Cabinet departments would have similar exemptions.

http://www.hrsa.gov/foia/foiaexemp.htm