# Primary Source Request

Request precise data, documentation, records, or confirmation from the authoritative owner of a claim while defining format, scope, use, and deadline.

## Usage note

Use this worksheet to prepare a respectful, specific request to the person or organization that owns a record, dataset, policy, statement, or process. Confirm the correct contact and channel before sending. The template is not legal advice, a public-records procedure, or permission to request confidential, personal, privileged, restricted, or unsafe material.

## How to use this template

1. Identify the exact claim or question and the authoritative owner most likely to hold the answer.
2. Specify the record, period, fields, version, preferred format, and minimum useful alternative.
3. Explain intended use, attribution, permissions, privacy boundaries, and a realistic deadline.
4. Send through the correct channel and log acknowledgments, attachments, limitations, and follow-ups.
5. Store the response with source context and revise claims that remain unconfirmed.

## Blank template

### Request planning

- **Claim or question:** [What requires primary confirmation]
- **Responsible owner:** [Organization, department, or person]
- **Correct contact channel:** [Published email, form, or process]
- **Requested record:** [Exact title or identifiable description]
- **Version or period:** [Dates, release, jurisdiction]
- **Requested format:** [Public URL, PDF, CSV, interview, or written confirmation]
- **Minimum useful alternative:** [Narrower record or responsible referral]
- **Intended use:** [Article, analysis, correction, or other]
- **Attribution proposed:** [On record, named source, or agreed alternative]
- **Deadline and reason:** [YYYY-MM-DD; explain timing]

### Draft message

- **Subject:** [Specific and neutral request]
- **Introduction:** [Who you are and the project]
- **Request sentence:** [One precise request]
- **Context:** [Why this source is relevant]
- **Format and details:** [Fields, dates, definitions, or permissions]
- **Privacy boundary:** [Aggregate, redacted, or public material only where appropriate]
- **Response options:** [Record, correction, referral, or unavailable]
- **Contact and thanks:** [How to reply]

### Follow-up checks

- [ ] The contact is authorized and the channel is legitimate.
- [ ] The request is no broader than the research question requires.
- [ ] Confidential or personal information is not solicited improperly.
- [ ] Intended quotation and attribution are clear.
- [ ] The deadline is realistic and time zone is stated if needed.
- [ ] Every response retains sender, date, attachments, and qualifications.
- [ ] Silence is not treated as agreement.
- [ ] The source inventory and draft reflect the final response status.