Overview
Title
Notice of Proposed Information Collection Requests: 2025-2027 IMLS Native American Library Services Basic Grants Program-Final Performance Report Form
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) wants to hear what people think about some papers that libraries fill out for a special grant to help Native American libraries. They hope to make it easier and faster for libraries to do this while still gathering the information they need. You have until the end of March 2025 to share your thoughts with them.
Summary AI
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is inviting comments from the public on renewing the forms used for reporting activities related to the Native American Library Services Basic Grants Program for 2025-2027. This effort aims to minimize the paperwork burden and improve data collection efficiency. Comments can be submitted until March 28, 2025, and are part of a consultation program aiming to assess and enhance the usefulness and quality of information collected while reducing the workload for respondents. The IMLS also seeks feedback on whether the forms effectively fulfill the agency's goals.
Abstract
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 renewal of the three-year approval of the forms necessary to report on grant and cooperative agreement activities on interim and final bases for all IMLS grant programs for 2025-2027 IMLS Native American Library Services Basic Grants Program--Final Performance Report Form. A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this Notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review is a notice from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which is part of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. This notice aims to solicit public comments concerning the renewal of forms necessary for reporting on the Native American Library Services Basic Grants Program for the years 2025-2027. The goal is to reduce the paperwork burden and streamline data collection processes for the grant recipients, in line with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
General Summary
The notice from IMLS is part of an ongoing effort to minimize the reporting burden on respondents. This program invites public feedback on the forms used for final performance reports in the Native American Library Services Basic Grants Program. The notice outlines the importance of having a streamlined process that not only reduces administrative load but also ensures the utility and clarity of the information being collected. Public comments are invited to ensure that the forms meet these objectives effectively.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One of the main concerns highlighted in the notice is the potential burden on grant recipients concerning time and financial resources. The estimated impact includes an average of two hours per response and a total annual cost burden of approximately $11,869, alongside federal costs of $15,480. The call for public comments suggests that IMLS aims to ensure that the collection instruments are clearly understood and do not present unnecessary challenges to respondents.
Broad Public Impact
For the broader public, the notice represents an opportunity to participate in the administrative process and affect how governmental agencies collect data. This type of engagement not only democratizes the policymaking process but also enhances transparency. By reviewing and commenting on the proposed forms, citizens can contribute to more efficient government operations that, in turn, maximize the benefits derived from government-funded programs.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For the Native American tribes that are recipients of these grants, this notice could have several implications. Positively, this presents an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their concerns or suggestions regarding the data collection process. Improving or simplifying the forms could lead to a more efficient approach to managing their grants and fulfilling reporting requirements. On the negative side, if their input is not adequately addressed, tribes might continue to face an administrative burden that could detract from the time and resources available for their library services.
Conclusion
The IMLS notice is a proactive attempt to engage with the public and stakeholders in refining and improving bureaucratic procedures related to grant management. This consultative approach stands to benefit the agency by enhancing the quality of its data collection methods while also addressing the workload placed upon respondents. The process acknowledges the importance of efficiency in government operations, the utility of information gathered, and the minimization of needless efforts by grant recipients, especially among Native American tribes.
Financial Assessment
The document discusses financial allocations related to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and its program for Native American Library Services Basic Grants. This commentary will summarize the key financial aspects mentioned within the document.
Financial Summary
In the context of the IMLS Native American Library Services Basic Grants Program, there are specific financial implications referenced in the document.
- Total Annual Cost Burden: The estimated cost for respondents of the information collection process is $11,869. This refers to the financial burden placed on Native American grant program recipients when they prepare and submit the required reports.
- Total Annual Federal Costs: The federal government incurs a total annual cost of $15,480 associated with the program. This includes the administration, processing, and management of the grant reporting requirements.
Relationship to Program Objectives
These financial allocations indicate the investment in ensuring effective management and monitoring of the grant program. The Total Annual Cost Burden reflects the expenses borne by the grant recipients in complying with the grant reporting requirements. Meanwhile, the Total Annual Federal Costs illustrate the resources allocated by the federal government to support and oversee this reporting process effectively.
Impact on Respondents
The financial figures demonstrate an effort to streamline the reporting process to minimize the burden on grant recipients. The document emphasizes reducing paperwork and ensuring data is collected efficiently. It is notable that the Estimated Average Burden Hours per Response is calculated at 2 hours, accounting for both time and financial resources needed from the participants.
In summary, the financial sections of the document highlight the efforts toward efficient administrative processes and the responsibilities divided between the grant recipients and the federal administration. These estimates further underline the balance between necessary oversight and the financial implications on involved parties.