Depth-related requests without root-level information or actions according to standard request-response protocols such as HTTP are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method specifies a request, such as a PROPFIND command, for application against a collection, such as a hierarchy of folders. Within a DEPTH header of the request, the method includes a NOROOT token to indicate that root-level information of the collection is unwanted. The request is then output, according to a predetermined transport protocol such as HTTP. In one embodiment, the outputting of the command is also according to a predetermined markup language, such as XML.