Your Right to Know: A Guide to Freedom of Information Act
America 250
Wednesday, November 18
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Main Library
WREX ClassroomArchivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will offer an extensive overview of how you can gain access to government records through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Archivists from the Barack Obama Presidential Library will deliver an extensive public overview of how citizens can successfully access government records through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This session introduces the legal foundations of FOIA and the Presidential Records Act (PRA), clearly defining what information can be requested, distinguishing between public federal records and personal collections and understanding processing times. Participants will gain practical insights into the complete FOIA lifecycle - moving step-by-step from drafting targeted, descriptive requests to navigating internal agency searches and document releases. Ultimately, attendees will walk away from actionable strategies to confidentially research and trace the 'paper trail' of federal history on their own.
TAGS: | Technology | Special Event | America 250th |
Main Library
Hours
About the library
The 66,000 sq.ft. Main Library opened in spring of 2024 and serves as the Rockford Public Library's main downtown facility. The newly constructed space boasts a 1st floor Children's Area complete with a dedicated computer lab, three program rooms, play structure with slide, and baby garden, a Maker Lab with access to 3D printers and scanners and small board computers, podcasting room, green screen video room, a large Young Adult Zone with gaming center, adult computer lab, local history room, and several meeting and study rooms accommodating groups of 2-8 people. Additional features include a large interactive screen, two roof-top terraces, one of which is available for rent as part of our large event space on the third floor, underground parking, and drive-thru book drop holds pickup!
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