Spike Lee Twitter mistake raises issue of "subject confusion," i.e. just because someone has the same name as your research subject doesn't mean they are your research subject
Read MoreSteve Jobs FBI File
Steve Jobs FBI file --The FBI uses public records too
Read MoreGovernment Guides
Use government guides to find the person with the answer you need and to learn how the government is organized
Read MoreDemi Moore's Contribution to Public Records Law
Demi Moore's recent medical emergency could create a change in California Public Records Law
Read MoreTracking Overseas Corporate Registrations
There are a number of resources available to researchers trying to determine if a company has a corporate registration in a foreign country. Companies House is the official company registrar in the UK and has been since 1844. The Companies House site allows users to search for and download corporate records for companies registered in the UK and offers a set of links to its counterparts in a number of countries, mostly in the EU.
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Sample FOIA Log -- Department of Interior
FOIAing the FOIAs -- Of Log Review,"Tailgating, " and "FOIA traps"
When drafting a federal Freedom of Information Act request, it is a good idea to get the log of what has already been requested from the agency you are querying. Agency FOIA logs are the best resources for determining not only what has been asked for by prior recipients but how to ask for it. These logs also document when a request was submitted and when the agency completed its request compliance process.
Read MoreUse search.usa.gov for Federal, State and Local Government Site Search
Researchers looking specifically for government documents should add search.usa.gov to their repertoire. This site, billed as the "U.S. Government's official search engine," is extremely useful when conducting a broad-based search for specific mentions inside of government records including minutes, staff reports or agency memoranda.
Read MoreVogue Archive Now Online-Invaluable for Fashionistas
Fashion magazine Vogue has opened it archive for (paid) public viewing. By digitizing and scanning its collection in its entirety (advertisements and photos included), Vogue has set a new high water mark for digital archives, many of which, up until this point, have omitted large parts of the printed collection from the digital archiving process. While not inexpensive ($1575-per-year), researchers and scholars interested in fashion, photography and advertising will find this resource invaluable.
For more information, go directly to the Vogue archive ("Every Issue. Every Page. 1892 to today") and read this piece in The Wall Street Journal.
Public Records Based I-Journalism Thriving if Limited
Public records-based I-journalism thriving, if limited by resources. Four examples worth reading.
Read MoreNational Medical Provider Discipline File --Public but with Restrictions
Doctor discipline data -- "backing in" research technique documented; Federal agency responds by restricting use of data
Read MoreGoogle Verbatim Search- The Researcher's Friend
How to use and access Google verbatim search functionality.
Read MoreCalifornia FPPC Expands Disclosure Rules, Posts Financial Disclosure Forms Online
California Political Watchdog Now Requires Government Consultants to disclose personal finances; Posts financial disclosure forms online
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