Reports the results of a survey of library and information science (LIS) staff in public libraries and the private sector on understanding of, and attitudes towards, freedom of information (FoI) legislation. The paper describes the background to UK FoI legislation and how the proposed UK legislation fits into the pattern of laws in other countries. The survey demonstrates that many LIS staff are unsure about the proposed law and many do not seem to be aware of the likely implications of the proposed law on their workload. There is also a lack of awareness of the increased career opportunities that FoI may bring to the profession. The paper concludes with some recommendations, both for the implementation of any law and for the profession regarding its response to the proposed law.