(1) RCW 42.56.070(1) requires Columbia Basin College (college or agency) to make available for inspection and copying nonexempt "public records" in accordance with published rules. The act defines "public record" to include any "writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained" by the agency.

(2) The purpose of these rules is to establish the procedures Columbia Basin College will follow in order to provide access to public records. These rules provide information to persons wishing to request access to public records of the college and establish processes for both requestors and college staff that are designed to best assist members of the public in obtaining such access.

(3) The purpose of the act is to provide the public access to information concerning the conduct of government, mindful of individuals' privacy rights and the desirability of the efficient administration of government. In carrying out its responsibilities under the act, the college will be guided by the provisions of the act describing its purposes and interpretation.