[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 139 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41261-41262]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-6369]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES


Institute of Museum and Library Services, Proposed Collection, 
Comment Request; Partnership for a Nation of Learners (PNL) Evaluation: 
Applicants

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 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3508(s)(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. The 
Institute of Museum and Library Services is currently soliciting 
comments concerning proposed evaluation research of Partnership for a 
Nation of Learners (PNL) Round I grant applicants.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the address 
section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addressee section below on or before September 18, 2006.
    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 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: Send comments to: Karen Motylewski, Evaluation Officer, 
Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW., 9th 
Floor, Washington, DC. Ms. Motylweski can be reached by telephone: 202-
653-4686; fax: 202-653-8625; or e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  Background: The Institute of Museum and 
Library Services (IMLS) is an independent Federal grant-making agency 
authorized by the Museum and Library Services Act, Public Law 104-208. 
IMLS is charged with promoting the improvement of library and museum 
services for the benefit of the public. Through grant-making and museum 
services, IMLS seeks to assure that libraries and museums are able to 
play an active role in cultivating an educated and engaged citizenry. 
IMLS builds the capacities of libraries and museums by encouraging the 
highest standards in management, public service, and education; 
leadership in the use of technology; strategic planning for results, 
and partnerships to create new networks that support lifelong learning 
and the effective management of assets. According to its strategic 
plan, IMLS is dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners 
by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. Libraries and 
museums are key resources for education in the United States and 
promote the vision of a learning society in which learning is seen as a 
community-wide responsibility supported by both formal and informal 
educational entities.
    Current Actions: The Institute of Museum and Library Services and 
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) are partnering under a 
Memorandum of Understanding to make competitive grants and support 
capacity-building for community partnerships among museum, library and 
public broadcasting outlets and other community organizations to meet 
locally identified community needs in an initiative titled Partnership 
for a Nation of Learners (PNL). The initiative includes professional 
development resources such as videoconferences and Web-based materials 
for potential applicants, grantees, and their partners. IMLS 
administers the grants process and CPB contracts for and manages the 
professional development and initiative-level evaluation functions. 
IMLS seeks clearance for the partnership to collect and analyze 
information related to evaluation of the PNL initiative.
    Overall, IMLS and CPB expect that as a result of PNL, museums, 
libraries, and public broadcasters will:
    1. Collaborate more frequently.
    2. Design and deliver projects that contribute significantly to 
solving or addressing community needs.
    3. Develop skills and knowledge required for effective 
collaboration.
    4. Increase community knowledge of the public value created by 
library, museum, and public broadcasting initiatives.
    PNL awards were made in September 2005 and 2006. As part of the PNL 
evaluation, a survey will be sent to applicants who did not receive 
funding.
    This survey will give unsuccessful applicants an opportunity to 
provide feedback to IMLS and CPB on the application process. The 
evaluation will also yield information on what applicants learned 
through the application process, their current partnering activity, and 
their future

[[Page 41262]]

interest in learning more about partnering. Information gathered will 
help IMLS and CPB to identify potential areas for improvement in PNL, 
determine the level of need/interest for the initiative within the key 
stakeholder groups, and access the initiative's contribution to local 
community results and the IMLS and CPB missions.
    Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.
    Title: Partnership for a Nation of Learners (PNL) Evaluation.
    OMB Number: Agency Number: 3137.
    Frequency: One time.
    Affected Public: Personnel of museums, museum organizations, 
libraries, library organizations, and public broadcasting outlets.
    Number of Respondents: 148.
    Estimated Time per Respondent: 20 minutes.
    Total Burden Hours: 50 hours.
    Total Annualized capital/startup costs: 0.
    Total Annual costs: 0.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Karen Motylewski, Evaluation Officer, 
Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW., 9th 
Floor, Washington, DC. Telephone: 202-653-4686; fax: 202-653-8625; e-
mail: [email protected].

    Dated: July 17, 2006.
Rebecca Danvers,
Director, Office of Research and Technology.
[FR Doc. 06-6369 Filed 7-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7036-01-M