[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 226 (Monday, November 24, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 65946]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-29225]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Geological Survey


Request for Public Comments on Information Collection Submitted 
to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act

    A request extending the information collection described has been 
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval 
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35). Copies of the proposed collection instrument may be 
obtained by contacting the USGS clearance officer at the phone number 
listed below. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the 
information collection, but may respond after 30 days; therefore, 
public comments should be submitted to OMB within 30 days in order to 
assure their maximum consideration. Comments and suggestions on the 
proposal should be made directly to the Desk Officer for the Interior 
Department, Office of Regulatory Affairs, OMB, via e-mail to [email protected] or via facsimile to (202) 395-6566; and to the USGS 
Clearance Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 807 National Center, 12201 
Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia, 20192.
    Specific public comments are requested as to:
    1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions on the USGS, including whether the 
information will have practical utility;
    2. The accuracy of the USGS estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used;
    3. The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and
    4. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.
    Title: National Atlas of the United States of America.
    Current OMB approval number: 1028-0057.
    Abstract: Potential customers of electronic national atlas products 
will be asked questions that provide (1) potential uses of these 
products; (2) type of personal computer used; (3) current method of 
acquiring atlas-type information; (4) demographic information; and (5) 
personal expectations from the products. Survey questionnaires will be 
distributed by mail in the return postage-paid format and via the World 
Wide Web. Focus groups will be held at various locations across the 
United States and could include prototype product testing. Software 
usability studies will be conducted at various locations and will 
result in the development of products that are easier to use. Customer 
information gathered from the questionnaires, focus groups, and 
usability studies will be used to evaluate the National Atlas of the 
United States products and to make development adjustments based on 
customer responses. The proposed collection is limited in scope to the 
National Atlas products and the capability of the products to meet 
customer needs. The USGS intends to develop a cooperative research and 
development agreement with private industry to assist in product 
development and to provide an additional avenue for product 
distribution.
    Bureau form number: None.
    Frequency: An estimated 2-3 surveys, and 2-5 focus group studies 
per year to evaluate potential customer segments and reactions.
    Description of respondents: Owners of powerful home personal 
computers, some with Internet access--potentially the general public, 
libraries, and schools.
    Estimated completion time: Varies depending on the mechanism used: 
approximately 15 minutes per survey and 1 hour per focus group session.
    Annual responses: Approximately 1,000 survey and 100 focus group 
responses.
    Annual burden hours: 350.
    Bureau clearance officer: John Cordyack, 703-648-7313.

    Dated: October 2, 2003.
Robert A. Lidwin,
Chief of Staff for Geography.
[FR Doc. 03-29225 Filed 11-21-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-Y7-M