TRAC: Tracking the Work of Federal Agencies

Where do members of Congress, news reporters, and lawyers go to find out what agencies like the FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service really do on a daily basis, and how effectively they operate? Smart researchers rely on the TRAC (Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse) Public Web Site, which uses the Freedom of Information Act to acquire data and trends information on key federal agencies. An independent, nonpartisan research organization associated with Syracuse University, TRAC's purpose is to "provide the American people...with comprehensive information about federal staffing, spending, and the enforcement activities of the federal government." It's also a great resource for law students needing background and statistics for papers and class projects. Check out the site's free and user-friendly information, including agency basics and topical reports.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat