[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32830-32831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15796]
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NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Institute of Museum and Library Services; Proposed Collection,
Comment Request
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), as part
of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, is
providing the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity
to comment on draft proposed and/or continuing collections of
information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(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 a new
program, National Leadership Grants, authorized by the Museum and
Library Services Act of 1996, Title VII of the Departments of Labor,
Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, as enacted by Sec. 101(e) of Divisions A. Public
Law 104-208, enacted September 30, 1996.
A copy of the draft proposed information collection can be obtained
by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section of this
notice.
DATES: Written comments on the information collection requested for
this new program must be submitted to the office listed in the
addressee section below on or before (60 days from publication).
IMLS is particularly interested in comments which:
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.
IMLS welcomes all comments regarding the proposed
guidelines and their impact on the ability of museums and libraries to
improve service to the public.
ADDRESSES: Dr. Rebecca Danvers, Institute of Museum and Library
Services, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20506. Telephone
(202) 606-8539. e-mail Imsinfo@ims.fed.us.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 describes National
Leadership Grants or Contracts in Sec. 262. The statute directs the
Director to establish and carry out a new program awarding national
leadership grants or contracts to enhance the quality of library
services nationwide and to provide coordination between libraries and
museums. Such grants or contracts shall be used for activities that may
include--
(1) Education and training of persons in library and information
science, particularly in areas of new technology and other critical
needs, including graduate fellowships, traineeships, institutes, or
other programs;
(2) Research and demonstration projects related to the improvement
of libraries, education in library and information science, enhancement
of library services through effective and efficient use of new
technologies, and dissemination of information derived from such
projects;
(3) Preservation or digitization of library materials and
resources, giving priority to projects emphasizing coordination,
avoidance of duplication, and access by researchers beyond the
institution or library entity undertaking the project; and
(4) Model programs demonstrating cooperative efforts between
libraries and museums.
The statute further authorizes the Director to carry out these
activities by awarding grants to, or entering into contract, on a
competitive basis with, libraries, agencies, institutions of higher
education, or museums, where appropriate.
The Institute began the process of developing these guidelines in
March 1997 by convening a group of renowned museum and library
professionals, together with several National Commission for Library
and Information Science Commissioners and Members of the National
Museum Services Board, for two days of discussion. On the first day
they heard from panels representing museums, libraries, other funders
and Federal policy makers. On the second day they discussed what they
had heard and what issues they see as most important for the Institute
to address in the coming years.
Drawing from these discussions, agency staff drafted guidelines for
these projects which were reviewed at the first joint meeting of the
National Museum Services Board and the National Commission for Library
and Information Sciences on May 8, 1997. The Institute received policy
guidance from these advisory bodies and used this to further revise the
draft guidelines.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be used by the
agency in further developing its National Leadership Grants guidelines
and in the request for the Office of Management and Budget approval of
the information collection request; they also will become a matter of
public record.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mamie Bittner, Director of Legislative
[[Page 32831]]
and Public Affairs, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20506.
Dated: June 11, 1997.
Mamie Bittner,
Director of Legislative and Public Affairs, Institute of Museum and
Library Services.
[FR Doc. 97-15796 Filed 6-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7036-01-M
