Announcement: Upcoming Dispute Resolution Skills Training for FOIA Professionals

by cmcguire, posted in OGIS events, Ombudsman, Training

FOIA professionals – particularly FOIA Public Liaisons – deal frequently with disputes. In fact, the amended Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) directs FOIA Public Liaisons to help resolve FOIA disputes. In order to equip these key FOIA staff members with useful tools to productively manage conflict, we are offering a free dispute … Continue reading Announcement: Upcoming Dispute Resolution Skills Training for FOIA Professionals

Mediation Services – Say What?

by cmcguire, posted in definitions and concepts, Mediation services, Ombudsman

The OPEN Government Act of 2007 amended the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), in part, to create OGIS. In establishing OGIS’s mission, the newly amended FOIA directs OGIS to offer “mediation services” to resolve disputes between FOIA requesters and Federal agencies. Seems straightforward, right? An agency or a requester approaches OGIS with a problem related … Continue reading Mediation Services – Say What?

Sunshine Week 2011: Catching Up With OGIS

by cmcguire, posted in FOIA in the news, OGIS events, Sunshine Week 2011

Last week – March 14-18 – was Sunshine Week. Did you feel the glow? This annual initiative, which coincides with national FOI Day and James Madison’s birthday (March 16), is designed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of information and open government. Why is Sunshine Week celebrated on Madison’s birthday? Besides being instrumental … Continue reading Sunshine Week 2011: Catching Up With OGIS

Announcing: OGIS’s First Report

by cmcguire, posted in definitions and concepts, OGIS's Reports, Ombudsman, Open Government

We are very excited to announce the publication of OGIS’s first report, The First Year: Building Bridges Between FOIA Requesters and Federal Agencies. This publication tells the story of how Director (and first OGIS staff member) Miriam Nisbet stood up a small office with a very big mandate: to improve the Freedom of Information Act … Continue reading Announcing: OGIS’s First Report

Welcome from the Director

by cmcguire, posted in Message from the Director

This post was written by Miriam Nisbet, former Director of the Office of Government Information Services  Hello and welcome to The FOIA Ombudsman: Information and Advice, the official blog of the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS). We know that’s a mouthful, so please call us FOIA Ombudsman for short.  We’re so glad you’re here! OGIS … Continue reading Welcome from the Director