Coming Soon: Open Records Request Page

Submitted by Leslie Marinelli

Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. Similar laws have been adopted at the state level across the country. 

In Georgia we have the Georgia Open Records Act and the Georgia Open Meetings Act, collectively referred to by some as the “Sunshine Laws” because of their intent to shine a light on government activities. 

Keep reading for important information about an upcoming change to our process for managing open records requests...

As a government entity, Forsyth County Public Library is subject to the provisions of the Georgia Open Records Act (Georgia Code § 50-18-71) except for records exempt from disclosure under the Open Records Act and FCPL’s Confidentiality Policy. These exemptions include records related to national security, personal privacy (like what our patrons check out), ongoing criminal investigations, and other sensitive matters. 

By law, all open records requests must be processed within three business days.  

What are open records?

Everything we create, prepare, receive, or maintain at work or while using a work device is subject to review in an open records request. 

Open records requests can be received in writing, via email, or even verbally. Our most common open records requests come from patrons asking to view our security camera footage. These requests are currently being entered by staff into a form in the CMT. 

Next week, we are launching a new Open Records Request page on our website and discontinuing the current security camera footage request form in the CMT. 

Here’s a sneak peek of the new page.

This new form will streamline the open records request process and help FCPL to lawfully respond to each request in a timely manner. It will be accessible through a link in the ABOUT US column of our website footer. 

What does this mean for you? 

Beginning next week, please direct any patron making an open records request to the Open Records Request link that will be in our website footer menu. 

Be mindful when patrons ask questions that are not typical reference questions. If they are asking about something that is a public record, such as “How much did this furniture cost?” you may need to ask some clarifying questions to see if they would like to submit an open records request. If so, please direct them to the Open Records Request link on our website. 

Lastly, please protect yourself and the Library by not using a work computer or your work email address for personal use.