(1) "Public records" 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 department regardless of physical form or characteristics.

(2) "Writing" means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, and every other means of recording any form of communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combination thereof; and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints, magnetic or punched cards, discs, drums, and other documents.

(3) "Department" means the department of corrections.

(4) "Client" means any person or organization about whom the department has a record.

(5) "Disclosure" means inspection and/or copying.

(6) "Denial of disclosure" denotes any exempting from disclosure of any public record.