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US Government Information: FBI Files and Records

FBI files online and in subscription databases

Some of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's records related to individuals, organizations, and events or situations have been digitized and are available online. 

FBI files on microfilm

In addition to the FBI files available online and in subscription databases, the Yale Library has many FBI files on microfilm. Note: some of these microfilm sets were digitized and included in the Archives Unbound collections mentioned above.

To identify FBI files in Orbis, try keyword searches like the following: 

  • "fbi file"
  • ezra pound fbi
  • highlander folk school fbi

To see all of the available files, try a subject search for United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation--Archives.

How to request FBI files

From the FBI's website

"The Freedom of Information Act allows any person—except fugitives, federal agencies, and foreign intelligence agencies—to request information about organizations, businesses, investigations, historical events, incidents, groups, or deceased persons."

"The Privacy Act allows U.S. citizens and lawfully admitted aliens to request information on themselves or another living person."

Resources for researching and understanding FBI records

Director for Research Support & Outreach Programs

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Jeremy Garritano
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Subjects: Global Affairs