[Federal Register: September 4, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 170)]
[Notices]               
[Page 50703]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04se07-74]                         

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NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES

 
 Institute of Museum and Library Services; Proposed Collection, 
Submission for OMB Review, Public Libraries Survey, 2008-2010

AGENCY: Institute of Museum and Library Services, NFAH.

ACTION: Notice.

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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 of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 
35). 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.
    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 
contact section below on or before October 4, 2007.
    OMB 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: Barbara G. Smith, E-Projects Officer, Institute of Museum 
and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC. 
Ms. Smith can be reached by telephone: 202-653-4688; fax: 202-653-8625; 
or e-mail: bsmith@imls.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Institute of Museum and Library Services 
is an independent Federal grant-making agency authorized by the Museum 
and Library Services Act, 20 U.S.C. 9101, et seq. Section 210 of the 
Act supports IMLS' data collection and analysis role. 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.
    The Public Libraries Survey, conducted by the U.S. Department of 
Education, has OMB clearance number 1850-0689; it expires 7/31/2008. 
Plans are underway for the transfer of the Public Libraries Survey from 
the Dept. of Education to the Institute of Museum and Library Services 
beginning with Fiscal Year 2008. The responsibility for this data 
collection, and for the clearance process, will be transferred entirely 
to IMLS provided that funds are appropriated to the agency for this 
purpose in FY 2008.
    Abstract: This survey collects annual descriptive data on the 
universe of public libraries in the U.S. and the Outlying Areas. 
Information such as public service hours per year, circulation of 
library books, etc., number of librarians, population of legal service 
area, expenditures for library collections, staff salary data, and 
access to technology are collected. Data are collected from each public 
library and are coordinated at the state level by a state data 
coordinator.
    Current Actions: This notice proposes clearance of the Public 
Libraries Survey. The 60-day Notice for the ``Public Libraries Survey'' 
was published in the Federal Register on February 5, 2007 (FR vol. 72, 
no. 23, pgs 5301-5302.) No comments were received.
    OMB Number: n/a.
    Agency Number: 3137.
    Affected Public: Federal, state and local governments, public 
libraries, state library agencies, general public.
    Number of Respondents: 55.
    Frequency: Annually.
    Burden hours per respondent: 39.8 hours; Total burden hours: 2,189.

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, (202) 395-7316.

    Dated: August 29, 2007.
Barbara G. Smith,
E-Projects Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E7-17395 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am]

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