[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 158 (Thursday, August 15, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 53364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-20731]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES


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

AGENCY: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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 
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 (44 U.S.C. Section 3508(2)(A)). This program 
helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired 
format, the 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 on an application and guidelines for a grant 
opportunity focusing on ``Recruiting and Educating Librarians for the 
21st Century.'' This Notice amends an earlier Notice published in 67 FR 
51601.
    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 [insert date 45 days from time of 
publication] from the date of this publication.

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. IMLS provides a variety of grant 
programs to assist the nation's museums and libraries in improving 
their options and enhancing their services to the public. Museums and 
libraries of all sizes and types may receive support from IMLS 
programs.
    The President's FY 2003 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 applications and guidelines are prepared contingent upon 
availability of funding.

II. Scope of Information Requested

    IMLS is particularly interested in comments that helps the agency 
to (1) 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; (2) 
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; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) 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.
    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 schools of library information 
science.
    Number of Respondents: 120.
    Estimated Time Per Respondent: 40 hours.
    Total Burden Hours: 4800.
    Total Annualized capital/startup costs: 0.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 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.

    Dated: August 9, 2002.
Nancy E. Weiss,
Federal Register Officer, National Foundation on the Arts and 
Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services.
[FR Doc. 02-20731 Filed 8-14-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7036-01-M