Staff members say the time required for the UFO requests slows down the response time for all requests. The agency hasn't kept exact numbers about UFO requests. Much of the latest increase in requests is a result of better technology. In the past, people interested in viewing the agency's files would have to find its address and know whom to write to, then type and mail a letter. Now, people can use the agency's online request form to ask for documents, made even easier with a ready-made letter template.
Visitors can send in multiple requests in seconds.
The agency hasn't added to the UFO page since its first posting two years ago, but it plans to soon, Phillips said, especially for the most commonly requested items. Agency officials said most of the UFO requests they receive ask for information about specific words pulled from the online documents. Enthusiasts believe the agency categorizes documents under keywords - and they just haven't hit on the right word yet. Even with lists and a stack of frequently requested documents close by, agency officials say it's hard to keep up with requests that are similar but change by a single word. Every request, no matter how similar to a previous one must be queried again and given the same attention.