[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 18, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19903-19904]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3653]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES


Museum Grants for African History and Culture program guidelines, 
Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request

AGENCY: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

ACTION: Submission to OMB for Review, Comment Request.

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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 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 form, with applicable supporting documentation, 
may be obtained by calling the Institute of Museum and Library 
Services. Director of Research and Technology, Rebecca Danvers at (202) 
652-4680. IMLS seek OMB clearance for program guidelines for 
applications to the Museum Grants for African American History and 
Culture.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 18, 2006. 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 form contact: Rebecca Danvers, Director of 
Research and Technology, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 
M St., NW, 9th floor, Washington, DC 20036, telephone 202-653-4680, fax 
202-653-4625, e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 19904]]

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, as amended. 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 Museum and Library Services Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 9101, et 
seq. authorizes the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library 
Services to make grants to museums and other entities as the Director 
considers appropriate. In addition, the National Museum of African 
American History and Culture Act (the ``Act'') authorizes the Director 
of the Institute of Museum and Library Services to establish grant and 
scholarship programs to improve operations, care of collections, and 
development of professional management of African American museums 
throughout the country, and to establish grant programs with the 
purpose of providing internship and fellowship opportunities at African 
American Museums. See, generally, 20 U.S.C. Section 80r-5(b). The 
Institute's new Program is developed pursuant to the provisions of this 
Act.

I. The National Museum of African American History and Culture Act 
Authorizes the Institute To Develop, Among Other Things, the Following

    (A) A grant program with the purpose of improving operations, care 
of collections, and development of professional management at African 
American museums;
    (B) A grant program with the purpose of providing internship and 
fellowship opportunities at African American museums. 20 U.S.C. 80r-
5(b). Pursuant to this authority, IMLS proposes the program of grants 
to support and enhance African American museums throughout the country.
    IMLS received comments that the program guidelines support the 
current needs of the African American museum community and also reflect 
the needs of museums generally. IMLS was urged to monitor the program's 
implementation to measure systematic change and to consider the program 
as a test bed to develop approaches appropriate to improving operations 
within other museum communities. IMLS agrees that the program has the 
potential to effect systematic change and will plan effective 
monitoring and evaluation strategies.
    IMLS received questions about the eligibility criteria. IMLS has 
revised the criteria to clarify eligibility status.
    The need for technical assistance, particularly for the smaller 
museums, was noted. IMLS agrees and will extend to this program the 
types of technical assistance provided to potential applicants in other 
IMLS programs.

II. Current Actions

    To administer this program of grants, IMLS must develop application 
guidelines.
    Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.
    Title: Museum Grants for African American History and Culture 
Program Guidelines.
    OMB Number: None.
    Agency Number: 3137.
    Frequency: Annually.
    Affected Public: Museums.
    Number of Respondents: 50.
    Estimated Time per Respondent: 35 hours.
    Total Burden Hours: 750.
    Total Annualized capital/startup costs: $0.
    Total Annual Costs: $32,900.
    Contact: Comments should be sent to 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: April 12, 2006.
Rebecca Danvers,
Director Research and Technology.
[FR Doc. 06-3653 Filed 4-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7036-01-M