[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 153 (Thursday, August 8, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51601-51602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-20070]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES


Institute of Museum and Library Services; Proposed Collection, 
Comment Request Recruiting and Educating Librarians for the 21st 
Century Application Form

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of its 
continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a 
preclearance 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(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 the proposed study of the needs of assessment of 
end-users in library and museum digitization projects funded through 
the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the addressee 
section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addressee section below on or before October 7, 2002.
    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 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 Stephanie Clark, Office of Library 
Services, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100 Pennsylvania 
Ave., NW., Room 802, Washington, DC 20506. Fax: 202-606-1077 or by 
email [email protected] Fax or e-mail preferred.

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.
    The President's FY2003 Budget Request submitted to Congress in 
early February, 2002 proposes a $10 million initiative to educate and 
train librarians. Anticipating the loss of as many as 68% of the 
current cohort of professional librarians by 2019, the initiative will 
be designed to ``help recruit a new generation of librarians.''
    The President's proposed initiative recognizes the key role of 
libraries and librarians in maintaining the flow of information that is 
critical to support formal education; to guide intellectual, 
scientific, and commercial enterprise; to strengthen individual 
decisions; and to create the informed populace that lies at the core of 
democracy.
    Draft application and guidelines are prepared contingent upon 
Congressional action.
    Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.
    Title: Recruiting and Educating Librarians for the 21st Century.
    OMB Number: n/a.
    Agency Number: 3137.
    Frequency: One time.
    Affected Public: Libraries and school of library information 
science.
    Number of Respondents: 120.
    Estimated Time Per Respondent: 40 hours.
    Total Burden Hours: 4800.
    Total Annualized capital/startup costs: 0.
    Total Annual costs: 0.

CONTACT: Mamie Bittner, Director Office of Public and Legislative 
Affairs, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1100 Pennsylvania 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20506. e-mail [email protected] fax (202) 
606-8591. e-mail or fax preferred.


[[Page 51602]]


    Dated: August 2, 2002.
Mamie Bittner,
Director of Public and Legislative Affairs.
[FR Doc. 02-20070 Filed 8-7-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7036-01-M