03-31518. Study of IMLS Funded Digital Collections and Content-Focus Groups, Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request

AGENCY:

Institute of Museum and Library Services, NFAH.

ACTION:

Notice of requests for new information collection approval.

SUMMARY:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announces the following information collection has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). A copy of this proposed information collection request, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Director of Research and Technology, Rebecca Danvers at [phone]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY/TDD) may call [phone].

DATES:

Comments must be received by January 22, 2004. The OMB 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 submission of responses.

ADDRESSES:

For a copy of the information collection request contact: Rebecca Danvers, Director of Research and Technology, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Room 223, Washington, DC 20506.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent Federal grant-making agency authorized by the Museum and Library Services Act, Public Law 104-208. The IMLS provides a variety of grant programs to assist the nation's museums and libraries in improving their operations and enhancing their services to the public. Museums and libraries of all sizes and types may receive support from IMLS programs. In the National Leadership Grant Program, IMLS funds the digitization of library and museum collections.

This study is to determine the feasibility of using the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) Metadata Harvesting Protocol to aggregate and provide integrated item-level search access to the digitization projects funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the National Leadership Grant Program.

II. Current Action

To develop an effective Open Archives Initiative metada harvesting protocol information will be collected from focus groups of resource developers.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services

Title: Study of IMLS Funded Digital Collections and Content

OMB Number: none.

Agency Number: 3137.

Frequency: Once.

Affected Public: Museums and libraries that created digital collections with IMLS funding.

Number of Respondents: 20, in two focus groups.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 1.5 hours.

Total Burden Hours: 30.

Total Annualized capital/startup costs: n/a.

Total Costs: $1,125.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

Dated: December 17, 2003.

Rebecca Danvers,

Director, Research and Technology.