Mailing lists comprise a system of records established to assist in carrying out the various programs of WSU Extension. These mailing lists are for the sole use of Extension personnel. Extension's policy is that these lists should not be furnished directly or indirectly to any other person, firm, association, or Federal Government agency. The release of these lists could adversely affect the credibility of Extension within the community. Mailing lists are not Federal records and, therefore, not covered by the Federal Freedom of Information or Privacy Acts that pertain to Federal records. This longstanding policy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is based in part on 18 U.S.C. 1902, 7 U.S.C. 472, 7 U.S.C. 1373 (c), and Title 7 C.F.R. Part O, Subtitle A, Subpart B, which provides:

Lists of names of farmers, business people, or employees that may be available in the department shall not be released to anyone unless it is determined that such release is required by the Freedom of Information Act. Lists of manufacturers, dealers, breeders, etc., shall not be furnished so as to imply that the Department endorses certain firms to the possible detriment of others, or that the lists necessarily include all dealers of a certain line

This policy should be conveyed to anyone requesting lists. However, State freedom of information regulations may apply to these records. If people requesting these lists wish to pursue the matter, they are at liberty to request them through a public records request to the university. See WSU Business Policies and Procedures Manual 90.05.1.

Using Mailing Lists to Mail Material for Other Federal Government Agencies. Discretion should be exercised in determining whether to mail for another Federal Government agency using Extension mailing lists. Factors to be considered are propriety and nature of material, responsibility for total costs of the mailing, including how the agency will provide the postage, etc. The foregoing in no way implies furnishing lists to other agencies for their use.