2024-03983. Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests: IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries and the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Notices of Funding Opportunity

AGENCY:

Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities.

ACTION:

Notice, request for comments, collection of information.

SUMMARY:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance 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. This pre-clearance consultation 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. The purpose of this Notice is to solicit comments concerning two grant programs targeting the needs of libraries and their communities nationwide: IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries and the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this Notice.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before April 27, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Sandra Narva, Acting Director of Grants Policy and Management, Office of Grants Policy and Management, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 955 L'Enfant Plaza North SW, Suite 4000, Washington, DC 20024–2135. Ms. Narva can be reached by telephone: [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing (TTY users) can contact IMLS at 202–207–7858 via 711 for TTY-Based Telecommunications Relay Service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Anthony D. Smith, Associate Deputy Director, Office of Library Services Discretionary Programs, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 955 L'Enfant Plaza North SW, Suite 4000, Washington, DC 20024–2135. Mr. Smith can be reached by telephone at 202–653–4716, or by email at [e-mail]. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing (TTY users) can contact IMLS at 202–207–7858 via 711 for TTY-Based Telecommunications Relay Service.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

IMLS is particularly interested in public comments that 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.

I. Background

IMLS is the primary source of Federal support for the Nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant making, research, and policy development. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.

II. Current Actions

The IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries Program supports projects that enhance the quality of library and archive services nationwide by advancing theory and practice and by generating results such as new tools, research findings, models, services, practices, or collaborative approaches that can be widely used, adapted, scaled, or replicated to extend the benefits of Federal investment.

The IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program supports developing a diverse workforce of librarians to better meet the changing learning and information needs of the American public by enhancing the training and professional development of library and archives professionals; developing faculty and library leaders; and recruiting, educating, and retaining the next generation of library and archives professionals.

This action is to renew the content, forms, and instructions for each of the two Notices of Funding Opportunity for the next three years.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries and the IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Notices of Funding Opportunity.

OMB Control Number: 3137–0091.

Agency Number: 3137.

Respondents/Affected Public: Library applicants.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 400.

Frequency of Response: One per request.

Average Hours per Response: 45.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 18,000.

Total Annual Cost Burden: $560,520.

Total Annual Federal Costs: $90,783.

Public Comments Invited: Comments submitted in response to this Notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB's clearance of this information collection.

Dated: February 22, 2024.

Suzanne Mbollo,

Grants Management Specialist, Institute of Museum and Library Services.