The Backgrounding Basics tip sheet includes a Timeline & Source List template spreadsheet, an Investigative Checklist and suggested Source List. Use these resources to conduct and track your research so that you can see where events overlap in newsworthy ways and identify sources for interviews.

This tip sheet offers instructions on how to use MuckRock’s services, as well as a list of secondary steps to take once you have begun the process of formulating your public records requests. Use these resources to make requesting and accessing public information simpler and more successful.

The Getting Personal with Finances tip sheet includes a Timeline & Source List template spreadsheet, an Investigative Checklist and suggested Source List. It also includes a Personal Financial Disclosure analytical spreadsheet template that makes it easier to understand officials' personal finances and how they've changed over time.

The Social Media Sleuthing tip sheet includes a Timeline & Source List spreadsheet template, an Investigative Checklist and suggested Source List. It also provides a robust list of social media platforms that can be useful in background reporting, along with a tutorial on how to use MuckRock's KlaxonCloud to track website changes.

The School and Work tip sheet includes a Timeline & Source List template spreadsheet, an Investigative Checklist and suggested Source List. Use these resources to learn more about where an individual has worked and what schools they have attended and identify sources who can verify that information.

Use this tip sheet from our partners at OpenSecrets to learn tips and tricks for tracking political history, campaign finance, and lobbying records.