[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 31351]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10829]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES


Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Assessing the 
Effectiveness of Various Methods Used To Distribute Funds to U.S. 
Museums

AGENCY: Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Foundation 
for the Arts and Humanities.
SUMMARY: The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 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(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. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is soliciting 
comments on a proposed study to assess the effectiveness of various 
methods used to distribute funds to the nation's museums.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
ADDRESSES section below on or before August 6, 2007. 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 submission of responses.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to: Mamie Bittner, Deputy Director, Office of 
Policy, Planning, Research, and Communications, Institute of Museum and 
Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC. Ms. 
Bittner can be reached by telephone: 202-653-4630; fax: 202-653-4600; 
or e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Institute of Museum and Library Services is authorized by the 
Museum and Library Services Act, Public Law 108-81, and is the primary 
source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 
museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and 
museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute 
works at the national level and in coordination with state and local 
organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance 
learning and innovation; and support professional development.

II. Current Actions

    To better understand the role of public funding the study will be 
framed by four questions:
    (1) What mechanisms are currently used to deliver public funding to 
museums from the Federal government and the state government in each of 
the states to be identified?
    (2) For what purposes are state and Federal public funds allocated 
to museums in each of the states to be identified?
    (3) How do delivery mechanisms impact the quality of services? Are 
there gaps?
    (4) Would alternative funding models, such as a population-based 
state grant, make a significant impact in addressing any identified 
gaps in museum services?
    Once completed, the results of the study will be incorporated into 
a report which will be made widely available to inform and benefit the 
museum community and the public at large.
    Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.
    Title: Assessing the Effectiveness of Various Methods Used to 
Distribute Funds to U.S. Museums.
    OMB Number: N/A.
    Agency Number: 3137.
    Frequency: One time.
    Affected Public: Museums, libraries, State Library Administrative 
Agencies, institutions of higher education, not-for-profit 
institutions, library and museum professional associations, Native 
American tribal governments, State and local governments, appointed and 
elected officials, school officials and educators, and individuals.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mamie Bittner, Deputy Director, Office 
of Policy, Planning, Research, and Communications, Institute of Museum 
and Library Services, 1800 M Street, NW., 9th Floor, Washington, DC. 
Ms. Bittner can be reached by telephone: 202-653-4630; fax: 202-653-
4600; or e-mail: [email protected].

    Dated: May 30, 2007.
Barbara Smith,
E-Projects Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-10829 Filed 6-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7036-01-P