01-26936. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

NARA is giving public notice that the agency proposes to request extension of two currently approved information collections: (1) 3095-0016, Researcher Application, NA Forms 14003 and 14003A, used by individuals applying for a research card; and (2) 3095-0027, National Archives Trust Fund (NATF) Order Forms for Genealogical Research in the National Archives. The NATF forms included in this information collection are: NATF 81, National Archives Order for Copies of Ship Passenger Arrival Records; NATF 82, National Archives Order of Copies of Census Schedules; NATF 83, National Archives Order for Copies of Eastern Cherokee Applications; NATF 84, National Archives Order for Copies of Land Entry Files; NATF 85, National Archives Order for Copies of Pension or Bounty Land Warrant Applications; and NATF 86, National Archives Order for Copies of Military Service Records. The public is invited to comment on the proposed information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES:

Written comments must be received on or before December 26, 2001 to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Comments should be sent to: Paperwork Reduction Act Comments (NHP), Room 4400, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Rd, College Park, MD 20740-6001; or faxed to 301-713-6913; or electronically mailed to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the proposed information collections and supporting statements should be directed to Tamee Fechhelm at telephone number 301-713-6730, ext. 226, or fax number 301-713-6913.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-13), NARA invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed information collections. The comments and suggestions should address one or more of the following points: (a) Whether the proposed information collections are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of NARA; (b) the accuracy of NARA's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collections; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of information technology. The comments that are submitted will be summarized and included in the NARA request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this notice, NARA is soliciting comments concerning the following information collections:

1. Title: Researcher Application.

OMB number: 3095-0016.

Agency form number: NA Forms 14003 and 14003A.

Type of review: Regular.

Affected public: Individuals or households, business or other for-profit, not-for-profit institutions, Federal, state, local or tribal government.

Estimated number of respondents: 22,728.

Estimated time per response: 8 minutes.

Frequency of response: On occasion.

Estimated total annual burden hours: 3,030 hours.

Abstract: The information collection is prescribed by 36 CFR 1254.6. The collection is an application for a research card. Respondents are individuals who wish to use original archival records in a NARA facility. NARA uses the information to screen individuals, to identify which types of records they should use, and to allow further contact.

2. Title: Order Forms for Genealogical Research in the National Archives.

OMB number: 3095-0027.

Agency form numbers: NATF Forms 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86.

Type of review: Regular.

Affected public: Individuals or households.

Estimated number of respondents: 97,600.

Estimated time per response: 10 minutes.

Frequency of response: On occasion.

Estimated total annual burden hours: 16,267 (rounded up).

Abstract: Submission of requests on a form is necessary to handle in a timely fashion the volume of requests received for these records (approximately 12,000 per year for the NATF 81, approximately 600 per year for the NATF 82, approximately 1,000 per year for the NATF 83, approximately 6,000 per year for the NATF 84, approximately 46,000 per year for the NATF 85, and approximately 32,000 per year for the NATF 86) and the need to obtain specific information from the researcher to search for the records sought. The form will be printed on carbonless paper as a multi-part form to allow the researcher to retain a copy of his request and NARA to respond to the researcher on the results of the search or to bill for copies if the researcher wishes to order the copies. As a convenience, the form will allow researchers to provide credit card information to authorize billing and expedited mailing of the copies.

Dated: October 22, 2001.

L. Reynolds Cahoon,

Assistant Archivist for Human Resources and Information Services.