(1) Requests for state library public records resident in the Pritchard Building or any state library branch statewide shall be directed to the Office of the State Librarian, Olympia, Washington, 98504, for initial action. The state librarian, or public records officer if otherwise designated, shall send an initial response to the requestor within the time frame required in chapter 42.17 RCW which:

(a) Acknowledges receipt of the request, including the date and time of day it was received; and

(b) Provides the requestor with a target date for complying with the request.

(2) Requests shall be submitted in writing—through letter, telefacsimile, or electronic mail. Requests shall include at least the following information:

(a) The date and time of day on which the request was made;

(b) The name of the requestor and the address to which responses to the request are to be directed;

(c) As detailed a description of desired records as possible;

(d) Any limitations on desired formats to be searched; and

(e) To the extent possible, a reference to the current state library public records index.

Unless the request is received in such a manner that automatically so indicates, state library staff shall affix to the request a date and time of receipt as soon as the request is received by the state library.

The state librarian or designated public records officer may inquire of the requestor as to the purpose of the request only to the extent to which such information will elucidate the request and facilitate a timely and complete response. Except as permitted by chapter 42.17 RCW, the requestor shall not be compelled to disclose that information, nor shall failing to disclose that information in any way adversely affect the response to the inquiry.