Who can request information?
Anyone can request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, regardless of age, nationality or location.
How do I make a request?
The Act requires that all requests:
• Are in writing (this does include e-mails)
• State clearly what information is required
• Contain the applicant’s name and correspondence address.
Requests may be submitted by letter, fax or e-mail to:
Lynda Given
Libraries NI
Demesne Avenue
Ballymena
BT43 7BG
Telephone: 028 2566 4125 Fax: 028 2563 2038
E-mail: lynda.given@librariesni.org.uk.
What happens when I make a request?
When Libraries NI receives a request for information, we will respond as soon as possible. The Act permits 20 working days for us to reply to your request. However if clarification is required it may take longer. You will be notified if we anticipate that your request will take us longer than 20 working days to complete.
What does it cost to make a request?
Most of the information Libraries NI routinely publishes can be downloaded free of charge from this website. If the information you require is not on this website, Libraries NI may charge you a fee in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2004/20043244.htm).
Requests that cost less than £450 to process will be supplied free of charge however we may ask you to pay for photocopying and postage. If your request costs more than £450 to process:
• You will be contacted and informed of the cost
• You may be advised on how your request can be modified so that it falls within the £450 limit.
What happens if my request is refused?
A request for information may only be refused if it is subject to one of the exemptions listed in the Absolute and Qualified Exemptions section of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/acts2000/ukpga_20000036_en_1). If your request is refused we will:
• Indentify the exemption which applies to your request
• Provide information on the internal review procedure.
If, after, an internal review, you are still unhappy with our response you can appeal to the Information Commissioner for an independent review of our decision:
The Information Commissioner’s Office
51 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8FE
Telephone: 028 9026 9380
Fax: 028 9026 9388
Email: ni@ico.gsi.gov.uk
How many requests can I make?
The Act does not limit the number of requests you can make. However, section 14 of the Act states that Libraries NI has the right to refuse vexatious or repeated requests. This may include repeated requests for the same information from the same person or requests that are intended to disrupt the work of Libraries NI.
How can I use the information I receive?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 does not place restrictions on how the information supplied under its terms can be used. However, the Act does not transfer copyright in any information supplied under it.
Can I ask for information in a different format?
You may request that information be supplied in any form. However, Libraries NI may take into account the cost of supplying the required format before complying with your request.
