Request for Public Comments on Information Collection To Be Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

A request revising and extending the information collection described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Copies of the proposed collection instrument may be obtained by contacting the USGS clearance officer at the phone number listed below. Comments and suggestions on the proposal should be made within 60 days directly to the USGS Clearance Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 807 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia, 20192. Telephone 703-648-7313.

Specific public comments are requested as to:

1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions on the USGS, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. The accuracy of the USGS estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

4. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.

Title: National Atlas of the United States of America.

Current OMB approval number: 1028-0057.

Abstract: Potential customers of electronic national atlas products will be asked questions that provide (1) potential uses of these products; (2) type of personal computer used; (3) current method of acquiring atlas-type information; (4) demographic information; and (5) personal expectations from the products. Survey questionnaires will be distributed by mail in a return postage-paid format and via the World Wide Web. Focus groups will be held at various locations across the United States and could include prototype product testing. Software usability studies will be conducted at various locations and will result in the development of products that are easier to use. Customer information gathered from the questionnaires, focus groups, and usability studies will be used to evaluate the National Atlas of the United States products and to make development adjustments based on customer responses. The proposed collection is limited in scope to the National Atlas products and the capability of the products to meet customer needs. The USGS intends to develop a cooperative research and development agreement with private industry to assist in product development and to provide an additional avenue for product distribution.

Bureau form number: None.

Frequency: An estimated 2-3 surveys, 2-5 focus groups, and 2-5 software usability studies per year to evaluate potential customer segments and reactions.

Description of respondents: Owners of powerful home personal computers, some with Internet access—potentially the general public, libraries, and schools.

Estimated completion time: Varies depending on the mechanism used: approximately 0.15 minutes per survey and 1 hour per focus group session.

Annual responses: Approximately 1,000 survey, 75 focus group responses, and 75 software usability responses.

Annual burden hours: 500.

Bureau clearance officer: John Cordyack, 703-648-7313.