About the Electronic Reading Room

Under subsection (a)(2) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), agencies must make four distinct categories of records affirmatively available for "public inspection and copying." We may, at our discretion, include other types of records. The "reading room" records consist of the following:

(1) Final opinions and orders rendered in the adjudication of administrative cases;

(2) Statements of policy that have been adopted by the agency;

(3) Administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member of the public; and,

(4) Records disclosed in response to a FOIA request which "the agency determines have become or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests for substantially the same records."

To make an appointment to view these records, please contact us at (202) 882-9904.

 

Page last reviewed: January 16, 2015
Page last updated: April 10, 2017
Maintained by: Regulations and Rulings Division