Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests: 2022-2024 IMLS Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity (3137-0110)

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Notice, request for comments, collection of information.

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. This pre-clearance consultation 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 purpose of this Notice is to solicit comments concerning a plan to modify the eligibility criteria and to update performance measurement requirements for Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants. A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this Notice.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before October 31, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Connie Bodner, Ph.D., Director of Grants Policy and Management, Office of Grants Policy and Management, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 955 L'Enfant Plaza North SW, Suite 4000, Washington, DC 20024-2135. Dr. Bodner can be reached by telephone: 202-653-4636, or by email at cbodner@imls.gov. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing (TTY users) can contact IMLS at 202-207-7858 via 711 for TTY-Based Telecommunications Relay Service.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Anthony D. Smith, Associate Deputy Director, Office of Library Services, Discretionary Programs, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 955 L'Enfant Plaza North SW, Suite 4000, Washington, DC 20024-2135. Mr. Smith can be reached by telephone at 202-653-4716, or by email at asmith@imls.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

IMLS is particularly interested in public comment 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 submissions of responses.

I. Background

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of Federal support for the Nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant making, research, and policy development. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.

II. Current Actions

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program is designed to assist Native American tribes in improving core library services for their communities. The program goals are (1) to improve digital services to support needs for education, workforce development, economic and business development, health information, critical thinking skills, and digital literacy skills; (2) to improve educational programs related to specific topics and content areas of interest to library patrons and community-based users; and (3) to enhance the preservation and revitalization of Native American cultures and languages.

This action is to modify the eligibility criteria and to update performance measurement requirements for Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants. If approved, the program would no longer require applicants to first submit an application to the Native American Library Services Basic Grants program in the same year. This would reduce unnecessary administrative burden for applicants and awardees and allow applicants to choose the grant program(s) best suited to their needs. Updating performance measurement requirements will bring this program into better alignment with other IMLS grant programs and make it easier for applicants to comply.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: 2022-2024 IMLS Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity.

OMB Control Number: 3137-0110.

Agency Number: 3137.

Respondents: Federally recognized Native American Tribes.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 40.

Frequency of Response: Once per request.

Average Hours per Response: 40 hours.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 1,600.

Cost Burden (dollars): $47,632.

Public Comments Invited: Comments submitted in response to this Notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB's clearance of this information collection.