Processing Applications and Appeals

Under most right to information laws, specific officers within each body covered by the law are responsible for receiving and managing RTI applications and appeals . In jurisdictions around the world, different procedures and rules have been implemented to process, manage and track information requests and appeals. Guidance notes and practice manuals have also been produced to provide officers with a simple reference tool to assist them to apply the law properly.

• Western Australian Information Commissioner (1996) FOI Policy and Practice Manual, guidance manual for all officials processing requests and appeals under the FOI Act.
• Scottish Information Commissioner (2004) Scottish Minister's Code of Practice on the Discharge of Functions by Public Authorities under the Freedom of Information Act.
• United States Department of Justice (2004) Freedom of Information Act Guide, provides detailed links to various topics regarding how to apply the US FOI Act 1966.
• Scottish Information Commissoner (current) Responses to Frequently Asked Questions by Public Officials re Processing Applications. 
• UK Government (current) FOI Monitoring Database, replicable database created to register and track applications and appeals made under the FOI Act UK. With small adjustments it could be used in other jurisdictions. (If the database does not open properly, click on "FOIA Monitor").
• UK Department for Constitutional Affairs (2004) Generic User Requirements Specification for IT Systems to Manage Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations Enquiries.
• UK Department of Constitutional Affairs (2003) Computer systems for aiding the management and monitoring of requests.
• Joyce Plotnikoff and Richard Woolfson (2003) Management of Freedom of Information requests in other jurisdictions, for the UK Department for Constitutional Affairs. 
   
• Canadian Information Commission (current) Annotated FOI Act - Sets out key IC judgments according to which provision they relate to.
• Queensland Information Commission (current) Annotated FOI Act - Sets out key IC judgments according to which provision they relate to.
• Western Australian Information Commission (current) Searchable database of key IC judgments according to the relevant provision, exemption clause, outcome or party.
• Scottish Information Commissioner (current) List of Cases Currently Under Investigation by the Commissioner. 
   
• Queensland [Australia] Information Commissioner (2001) Information Sheet on What to Do When Information Appears To Be Missing.
• Western Australian Information Commissioner (undated) Checklist for applicants under the FOI Act, brochure for the public
• Western Australian Information Commissioner (undated) Third Parties and Their Rights, brochure for the public.