[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 132 (Friday, July 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 37419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-18333]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES


Proposed Collection, Comment Request

AGENCY: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of its 
continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a 
preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and 
federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or 
continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1994 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3508(2)(A)]. This 
program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the 
desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is 
minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the 
impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly 
assessed. Currently the Institute of Museum and Library Services is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed annual report for Library 
Services and Technology Act Grants to States.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the addressee 
section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addressee section below on or before September 8, 1998.
    IMLS is particularly interested in comments which help the agency 
to:
     Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
     Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity 
of the methodology and assumptions used;
     Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
     Minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to: Jane Heiser, Director of State Programs, 
Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 
Room 802, Washington, D.C. 20506. Ms. Heiser can be reached on (202) 
606-5395 or at [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Public Law 104-208 enacted on September 30, 1996 contains the 
Library Services and Technology Act, a reauthorization and refocusing 
of federal library programs. This legislation retains the state-based 
approach to library programs and sharpens the focus to two key 
priorities: information access through technology and information 
empowerment through special services.
    Public Law 104-208 authorizes the Director of the Institute of 
Museum and Library Services to make grants to States to assist them 
to--
    (1) Consolidate Federal library service programs;
    (2) Stimulate excellence and promote access to learning and 
information resources in all types of libraries for individuals of all 
ages;
    (3) Promote library services that provide all users access to 
information through State, regional, national and international 
electronic networks;
    (4) Provide linkages among and between libraries;
    (5) Promote targeted library services to people of diverse 
geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals 
with disabilities, and to people with limited functional literary or 
information skills.

II. Current Actions

    This is a new information collection. The annual report is needed 
to assess outcome of awards as needed for compliance with the 
Government Performance and Results Act. The report will also facilitate 
information sharing and identify promising practices among the states 
to help them implement their state plans.
    Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.
    Title: Library Services and Technology Act State Grants Annual 
Reports.
    OMB Number:
    Agency Number: 3137.
    Frequency: Once/year.
    Affected Public: State Library Administrative Agencies.
    Number of Respondents: 56.
    Estimated Time Per Respondent: 20 hours.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,120.
    Total Annualized capital/startup costs: 0.
    Total Annual Costs: 0.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mamie Bittner, Director Public and 
Legislative Affairs, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100 
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20506, telephone (202) 606-
4646.
Mamie Bittner,
Director, Public and Legislative Affairs.
[FR Doc. 98-18333 Filed 7-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7036-01-M