Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request, Proposed Collection Requests: 2021-2023 IMLS Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Submission for OMB review, comment request.

SUMMARY:

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announces the following information collection has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. 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 purpose of this Notice is to solicit comments about the plan to offer a grant program targeted to the needs of Native American libraries. 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 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below on or before February 10, 2021.

OMB 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:

Written comments and recommendations for proposed information collection requests should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection request by selecting “Institute of Museum and Library Services” under “Currently Under Review,” then check “Only Show ICR for Public Comment” checkbox or mail 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Anthony D. Smith, Associate Deputy Director, Office of Library Services, 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:

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. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.

Current Actions: The purpose of this collection is to support Native American libraries in improving digital services, improving educational programs, and enhancing preservation and revitalization, particularly as they relate to the following goals in the Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9141).

1. Expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats (including new and emerging technology), in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals' need for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, economic and business development, health information, critical thinking skills, digital library skills, and financial literacy and other types of literacy skills.

2. Establishing or enhancing electronic and other linkages and improved coordination among and between libraries and entities, as described in 20 U.S.C. 9134(b)(6), for the purpose of improving the quality of and access to library and information services.

3. Providing training and professional development, including continuing education, to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and leadership, and advance the delivery of library and information services; and enhancing efforts to recruit future professionals, including those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, to the field of library and information services.

4. Developing public and private partnerships with other agencies, tribes, and community-based organizations.

5. Targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills.

6. Targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 9902(2)) applicable to a family of the size involved.

7. Developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, State, regional, national, and international collaborations and networks.

8. Carrying out other activities consistent with the purposes of the Library Services and Technology subchapter of the IMLS statute (20 U.S.C. 9121).

Indian tribes are eligible to apply for funding under the Native American Library Services Enhancement Grant program. Entities such as libraries, schools, tribal colleges, or departments of education are not eligible applicants, although they may be involved in the administration of this program and their staff may serve as project directors in partnership with an eligible applicant.

For purposes of funding under this program, “Indian tribe” means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska native village, regional corporation, or village corporation (as defined in, or established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. A list of eligible entities is available from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

To be eligible for this program an applicant must be able to document an existing library that meets, at a minimum, three basic criteria: (1) Regularly scheduled hours, (2) staff, and (3) materials available for library users.

This action is to seek approval for the information collection for the 2021-2023 IMLS Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity for the next three years.

The 60-day notice for the 2021-2023 IMLS Native American Library Services: Enhancement Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity, was published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2020 (85 FR 38933-38934). No comments were received.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: 2021-2023 IMLS Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

OMB Number: 3137-0110.

Frequency: Once per year.

Affected Public: American Indian tribes recognized by the Secretary of the Interior.

Number of Respondents: 51.

Estimated Average Burden per Response: 40 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 2,040 hours.

Total Annualized capital/startup costs: n/a.

Total Annual costs: $60,730.80.

Total Federal Costs: $2,667.71.