What is a "record"?
A "record" means any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual or electromagnetic information is recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics, which has been created or is being kept by an authority. "Record" includes, but is not limited to, handwritten, typed or printed pages, maps, charts, photographs, films, recordings, tapes (including computer tapes), computer printouts and optical disks.

"Record" does not include drafts, notes, preliminary computations and like materials prepared for the originator's personal use or prepared by the originator in the name of a person for whom the originator is working; materials which are purely the personal property of the custodian and have no relation to his or her office, materials to which access is limited by copyright, patent or bequest; and published materials in the possession of an authority other than a public library which are available for sale, or which are available for inspection at a public library.

For more information on Wisconsin's Open Record law visit the Wisconsin State Law Library website.Wisconsin State Law Library

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1. What is a "record"?
2. What records may be released?
3. What records cannot be released?
4. How can I make an open record request?
5. What are the fees for record requests?
6. Where can I send my request?