SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 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. The agency advances, supports, and empowers America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant making, research, and policy development. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.

II. Current Actions

This Notice proposes the clearance of the Guidelines for IMLS Grants to States Five-Year Evaluation. The Grants to States program is the largest source of Federal funding support for library services in the U.S. Using a population-based formula, approximately $180 million is distributed among the State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) every year. SLAAs are official agencies charged by the Library Services and Technology Act (20 U.S.C. 9121 and 20 U.S.C. 9141) with the extension and development of library services, and they are located in:

• Each of the 50 States of the United States, and the District of Columbia;
• The territories (Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the ( printed page 11340) Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands); and
• The Freely Associated States (the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands).

IMLS authorizing legislation at 20 U.S.C. 9134 directs State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) to “independently evaluate, and report to the Director regarding, the activities assisted under this subchapter, prior to the end of the Five-Year Plan.” This evaluation provides SLAAs an opportunity to measure progress in meeting the goals set in their approved Five-Year Plans with a framework to synthesize information across all state reports in telling a national story.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: Guidelines for IMLS Grants to States Five-Year Evaluation.

OMB Number: 3137-0090.

Agency Number: 3137.

Respondents/Affected Public: State and Territory Library Administrative Agencies.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 12.

Frequency of Response: Once every five years.

Estimated Average Burden per Response: 18 hours.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 1,062 hours.

Total Annual Cost Burden $35,322.12.

Total Annual Federal Costs: $2,164.

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.