The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. Add to that more than 3,000 tipsheets from our national conferences on how to cover specific beats or do specific stories and you have a resource that no reporter or editor should be without. These stories and tipsheets are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Logged-in members can view the tipsheets free online:
Search results for "open records" ...
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FOIA/Open Records
This tipsheet takes you through the ins and outs of requesting open records.
Tags: open records; FOIA; data
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The Ask: Requesting and Negotiating For Records/Data
A guide on how to procure the documents you need in order to launch your investigation. This step-by-step tipsheet takes you through each individual step to gaining access to government records.
Tags: Burlington Free Press; FOI; Open Government Laws; Freedom of Information;
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Evaluating State Open Records Laws and Practices
Use Ginley's Powerpoint to check up on your state's open records law and how they match up to others.
Tags: open records; public access
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Data and Documents
Luther, one of IRE's training directors, provides this Powerpoint presentation on the importance of gathering data and documents, not only for the story you already have but for the story that's not been written yet.
Tags: FOIA; open records; data; documents; databases
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Fighting for records and access
Ritvo provides resources and websites for where and how to get records you need.
Tags: open records; FOIA; ACLU; Federal Open Government Guide
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Fighting for Access to Open Records
Zansberg provides lots of websites to help you get the records you are entitled to. Sites include how to get 911 tapes, FOIA requests, and public official's calenders.
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Finding and Negotiating for Data
This tipsheet details why you need a data strategy; where to find the data; and how to negotiate for it once you've found it. There are detailed resources and tips for all three topics.
Tags: data; databases; FOIA; open records laws; open meeting laws;
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Latest Developments in FOIA and Open Records Laws
This tipsheet outlines recent developments in FOIA laws - including information on getting discovery in a FOIA action in Federal court.
Tags: FOIA; discovery; Federal Court; public records; FOIA request; records request
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Criminal justice investigations: tips from unexpected people and documents
This tipsheet touches on unexpected people and documents in criminal justice reporting. "Rivalries and jealousies open the door to tips and document leaks for well-positioned reporters." Diedrich details a number of these type of sources and materials.
Tags: crime; justice; police; Federal Bureau of Investigation; probation agents; judges; clerks; convicts; warrants; arrest reports; autopsy records; indictments; trial exhibits
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Open Records - Legal Road Blocks and Resources
This tipsheet provides links to information illuminating the legal landscape of access to information under state and federal statutes.
Tags: private individuals; decendents; privacy rights; corporations; government employees