I agree.  If these are records or indices of records that are maintained by public servants, in public facilities, at taxpayers cost, then they certainly are public records, except as a few laws could exempt them from public disclosure for security or privacy interests.

FOIA, and more importantly the equivalent state law for your state, should provide you with mechanisms for accessing them.

I also agree with prior posters:  complain to their supervisor if they are being antagonistic.  Phrase it as such.  They are not forced to be "friendly" to you, but they can at least be polite, courteous and efficient public servants, since your taxes pay for them to be employed during these harsh times.  Remember, getting a job is not easy in this economy, and bringing a complaint is certainly a threat to their comfortable little world of abuse.