06-6369. Institute of Museum and Library Services, Proposed Collection, Comment Request; Partnership for a Nation of Learners (PNL) Evaluation: Applicants

AGENCY:

Institute of Museum and Library Services.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services 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 of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3508(s)(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. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is currently soliciting comments concerning proposed evaluation research of Partnership for a Nation of Learners (PNL) Round I grant applicants.

A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the address section of this notice.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before September 18, 2006.

IMLS is particularly interested in 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 collocation 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: Karen Motylewski, Evaluation Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC. Ms. Motylweski can be reached by telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; or e-mail: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background: The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent Federal grant-making agency authorized by the Museum and Library Services Act, Public Law 104-208. IMLS is charged with promoting the improvement of library and museum services for the benefit of the public. Through grant-making and museum services, IMLS seeks to assure that libraries and museums are able to play an active role in cultivating an educated and engaged citizenry. IMLS builds the capacities of libraries and museums by encouraging the highest standards in management, public service, and education; leadership in the use of technology; strategic planning for results, and partnerships to create new networks that support lifelong learning and the effective management of assets. According to its strategic plan, IMLS is dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. Libraries and museums are key resources for education in the United States and promote the vision of a learning society in which learning is seen as a community-wide responsibility supported by both formal and informal educational entities.

Current Actions: The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) are partnering under a Memorandum of Understanding to make competitive grants and support capacity-building for community partnerships among museum, library and public broadcasting outlets and other community organizations to meet locally identified community needs in an initiative titled Partnership for a Nation of Learners (PNL). The initiative includes professional development resources such as videoconferences and Web-based materials for potential applicants, grantees, and their partners. IMLS administers the grants process and CPB contracts for and manages the professional development and initiative-level evaluation functions. IMLS seeks clearance for the partnership to collect and analyze information related to evaluation of the PNL initiative.

Overall, IMLS and CPB expect that as a result of PNL, museums, libraries, and public broadcasters will:

1. Collaborate more frequently.

2. Design and deliver projects that contribute significantly to solving or addressing community needs.

3. Develop skills and knowledge required for effective collaboration.

4. Increase community knowledge of the public value created by library, museum, and public broadcasting initiatives.

PNL awards were made in September 2005 and 2006. As part of the PNL evaluation, a survey will be sent to applicants who did not receive funding.

This survey will give unsuccessful applicants an opportunity to provide feedback to IMLS and CPB on the application process. The evaluation will also yield information on what applicants learned through the application process, their current partnering activity, and their future interest in learning more about partnering. Information gathered will help IMLS and CPB to identify potential areas for improvement in PNL, determine the level of need/interest for the initiative within the key stakeholder groups, and access the initiative's contribution to local community results and the IMLS and CPB missions.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: Partnership for a Nation of Learners (PNL) Evaluation.

OMB Number: Agency Number: 3137.

Frequency: One time.

Affected Public: Personnel of museums, museum organizations, libraries, library organizations, and public broadcasting outlets.

Number of Respondents: 148.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Total Burden Hours: 50 hours.

Total Annualized capital/startup costs: 0.

Total Annual costs: 0.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Karen Motylewski, Evaluation Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC. Telephone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail].

Dated: July 17, 2006.

Rebecca Danvers,

Director, Office of Research and Technology.