King Memorial Library
Freedom of Information Law Policy
Purpose
The missions of the King Memorial Library is to advance the quality of life in the community of Machias by providing unrestricted access to information and by offering materials geared to user wants and needs.
The library provides collections, services and programs that support the development of an individual’s full potential and assists users of all ages in the pursuit of knowledge and cultural experiences.
Therefore, King Memorial Library has adopted this Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Policy to ensure transparency of records and administration documents.
The primary goals of King Memorial Library’s FOIL Policy are to establish:
- The administrator of Library records
- The process for requesting information from the Library
- The Library’s process for responding to information requests
New York State’s Freedom of Information Law allows members of the public to access records from certain agencies. The full scope of Public Officers Law Article 6 §87 can be found on the New York State Committee on Open Government website.
Administration
The Director is the administrator of Library records. The Director will receive, process, and respond to all inquiries relating to the availability of Library records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law.
Requests
- Shall be submitted to the Director in writing or via email and shall specify whether the requester wishes to see and read the requested record or to receive a copy.
- Shall include the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the requester and specific details to sufficiently identify the information requested.
- Shall be answered within five business days of the date the request is received.
Access
When access to records is granted, records may be inspected at the Library in the presence of the Director during regular hours of operation and arranged in advance with the Director. If the original of a record includes information, details, and/or particulars requiring deletion, the requester will be permitted to only inspect a copy of the record with deletions. Copying of the record will be performed by the Director. No original records may be removed from the custody of the Library. Any printing or copies of materials will be charged at the current fee. If the information is not available or a request for information is denied, the Director shall notify the requester in writing.
Appeals
Should a request be denied, the denial may be appealed in writing to the President of the Board of Trustees by the requester.
Compliance
As a Municipal Public Library, the King Memorial Library conforms to the requirements of the New York Freedom of Information Law.
Ongoing Use Evaluation
The Freedom of Information Law Policy will be periodically evaluated in relation to the mission of the King Memorial Library and in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations by the Director and Board of Trustees. The Director and Board of Trustees may update or modify the FOIL Policy as necessary. Modifications must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees at an open meeting.
Questions or concerns regarding King Memorial Library records or this policy should be directed to the Library Director.
06/2024