2020-17025. Notice of Proposed Information Request: State Library Administrative Agency, FY 2020-FY 2022

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review, comment request.

SUMMARY:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announces the following information collection has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. 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. By this notice, IMLS is soliciting comments concerning the continuance of the State Library Administrative Agencies Survey for FY 2020 and FY 2022. 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:

Comments must be submitted to the office listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below on or before September 4, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

Comments should be sent to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn.: OMB Desk Officer for Education, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dr. Connie Bodner, Director of Grants Policy and Management, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 955 L'Enfant Plaza North SW, Suite 4000, Washington, DC 20024-2135. Dr. Bodner can be reached by Telephone: [phone], or by email at [e-mail], or by teletype (TTY/TDD) for persons with hearing difficulty at 202-653-4614.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The Institute of Museum and Library Services 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. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.

II. Current Actions

State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) are the official agencies of each state charged by state law with the extension and development of public library services throughout the state. (20 U.S.C. Chapter 72, 20 U.S.C. 9122.) The purpose of this survey is to provide state and federal policymakers with information about SLAAs, including their governance, allied operations, developmental services to libraries and library systems, support of electronic information networks and resources, number and types of outlets, and direct services to the public. This request includes new SLAA data elements regarding the COVID-19 public health emergency. Through the FY 2010 collection, the SLAA Survey was conducted annually; beginning with the FY 2012 collection, the survey is conducted biennially. Because the FY 2020 collection will not begin until early 2021, we are carrying over the documentation associated with the FY 2018 data collection. Except for slight adjustments to respondent burden, the content of the statement is identical to that submitted for the renewal in 2019. The SLAA Survey has been conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the clearance number 3137-0072. OMB approved the SLAA Survey collection on 01/15/2020, and it expires 01/31/2023. Due to the addition of COVID-19-related questions in the FY 2020 SLAA Survey, this action is to request a new three-year approval.

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 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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses).

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: State Library Administrative Agencies Survey, FY 2020-FY 2022.

OMB Number: 3137-0072.

Agency Number: 3137.

Affected Public: Federal, State and local governments, State library administrative agencies, libraries, general public.

Number of Respondents: 51.

Frequency: Biennially.

Burden Hours per Respondent: 30.4.

Total Burden Hours: 1,550.4.

Total Annual Costs: $44,015.86.

Total Annual Federal Costs: $311,371.20.

Dated: July 31, 2020.

Kim Miller,

Senior Grants Management Specialist, Institute of Museum and Library Services.