The San Francisco Public Library has issued these procedures to improve its ability to provide public records under the San Francisco Sunshine Ordinance, SF Administrative Code Chapter 67, and the California Public Records Act, Government Code Section 6250 et seq. These procedures ensure that all persons seeking Library records will receive prompt, accurate and courteous service without disrupting Library staff's other operational duties.
Procedures for Public Records Requests
- All public records requests shall be directed to the Library's Custodian of Records who will coordinate the Library's response. Members of the public should not enter nonpublic staff areas or direct a public records request to staff other than the designated Custodian of Records.
We encourage all requests to be submitted via NextRequest, a platform designed specifically for government records requests used by most City and County of San Francisco departments. NextRequest streamlines the public records request process by consolidating email correspondence, tracking the progress of the response and delivering large files of records without burdening one's email account. Click on the button below to get started.
- Requests received after 5 P.M. will be processed on the following business day.
- Should responsive records be identified and made available, they will be held for 5 business days after the requesting party has been notified (unless other arrangements are made in advance) and will then be returned to the appropriate files or to storage.
- The requesting party will be notified as soon as copies are available. Payment is required before releasing copies of requested records.
Costs
- Reviewing Documents: There is no charge to review records online through NextRequest. To inspect copies of digital records we recommend you request documents by NextRequest or email, (no charge ). For large volumes of records on a thumb drive the cost is ($5)
- Copying: 10 cents per page, 20 cents per page for 2-sided copies, or 1 cent per page for records routinely produced in multiple copies for public distribution. Copies of unusual format records may be obtained at the cost of reproduction. Payment is required before releasing copies of requested records.
- Postage: Requesting party shall prepay all postage or delivery costs.