Reading Room Records: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Legal Definition
Definition & Meaning
Reading room records refer to specific documents that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is required to make available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2)). These records are accessible through the DOT's Primary Electronic Access Facility. Additionally, the DOT may provide other records at its discretion in various inspection facilities, including the Primary Electronic Access Facility.
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in the context of public access to governmental records. Reading room records are significant in administrative law, particularly in matters related to transparency and public information. Users can manage requests for these records themselves, often utilizing legal templates available through services like US Legal Forms to streamline the process.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A researcher requests access to safety records of a specific transportation project through the DOT's Primary Electronic Access Facility. They find the necessary documents available for public viewing.
Example 2: A citizen visits a DOT inspection facility and requests access to additional records that the DOT has chosen to disclose, demonstrating the agency's commitment to transparency. (hypothetical example)