List five tips for working with government agencies when seeking to access government information directly or through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

When working with government agencies and seeking to access government information directly or through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), some of the following tips can be helpful:
• Review the file to familiarize yourself with the case before calling the agency.
• Go online to the agency website to search for as much background information as possible.
• Review the agency's regulations to ascertain which documents the agency prepares in specific types of cases (such as Superfund cases).
• Make a list of the various documents, and determine in advance which documents you will be requesting.
• Develop a list of alternatives to use in the event that the documents that you request have not been prepared or are not available.
• Make reasonable requests from the agency.
• Cultivate good working relationships with agency staff members.