[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 152 (Wednesday, August 6, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 45791]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17983]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES


The Impact of Free Access to Public Access Computers and the 
Internet at Public Libraries Study, Submission for OMB Review, Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Foundation 
for the Arts and Humanities.

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, Associate Deputy Director for Research and Statistics, Carlos 
Manjarrez at (202) 653-4671. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TTY/TDD) may call (202) 653-4614. This study is to 
examine the use of public access computers in public libraries; 
undertake an analysis of the impact on individuals, families, and 
communities of the provision of public access computers and access to 
the Internet in public libraries; and identify and disseminate 
indicators of impact within communities for public libraries to use for 
future assessments.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 5, 2008. 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: Lesley Langa, Research 
Specialist, Office of Policy, Planning, Research & Communication, 
Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M St., NW., 9th floor, 
Washington, DC 20036, by telephone (202) 653-4760 or by e-mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent 
Federal grant-making agency authorized under 20 U.S.C Chapter 72. 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 includes a strong emphasis on 
encouraging and assisting museums in their educational role as core 
providers of learning and in conjunction with schools, families, and 
communities, and strengthening library services to the public. This 
study will assist IMLS in understanding the use, impact, and 
measureable effect public access computers in public libraries 
provides. A final report will be widely disseminated to assist policy 
makers and prospective funding for public access computers in public 
libraries.
    20 U.S.C. 9108 authorizes the Director of the Institute of Museum 
and Library Services to carry out and publish analyses that shall 
identify national needs for, and trends of, museum and library 
services; report on the impact and effectiveness of programs conducted 
with funds made available by the Institute, and identify, and 
disseminate information on the best practices of such programs.
    This study is to examine the use of public access computers in 
public libraries; undertake an analysis of the impact on individuals, 
families, and communities of the provision of public access computers 
and access to the Internet in public libraries; and identify and 
disseminate indicators of impact within communities for public 
libraries to use for future assessments.
    Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.
    Title: The Impact of Free Access to Public Access Computers and the 
Internet in Public Libraries.
    OMB Number: None.
    Agency Number: 3137.
    Frequency: Once.
    Affected Public: Library staff, users of public access computers, 
local officials, and library directors.
    Number of Respondents: 1,550,811.
    Estimated Time per Respondent: Various.
    Total Burden Hours: 387,790 hours.
    Total Annualized capital/startup costs: N/A.
    Total Annual Costs: $961,273.
    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: July 29, 2008.
Lesley Langa,
Research Specialist.
 [FR Doc. E8-17983 Filed 8-5-08; 8:45 am]
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