Hometown Transparency: Differences in Local, State, and Federal Freedom of Information Experiences

This exploratory study surveyed 330 U.S. public record requesters on their local, state, and federal experiences and behaviors. Findings showed requesters with more experience submitting requests to local and state governments had better odds of successfully receiving their records. Federal requesting experience was negatively associated with receiving requested records. Structural equation analysis also showed a significant relationship between local requesting experience and satisfaction with the requesting process. However, local and state requesters were more likely to report problems with fees, rudeness from government officials, and barriers from privacy exemptions. Unwarranted delay, an enduring complaint among the requesting community, was found to be a more severe problem for those with more federal requesting experience, whereas local and state requesting experience was negatively associated with a belief that delay was a serious problem. The study advances the understanding that local and federal freedom of information processes are experienced as distinct mechanisms with differing requester bodies, behaviors, and results.