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

II. Current Actions

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is proposing an evaluation of the Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project. The REALM Project convenes individuals from Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), OCLC Inc. (OCLC), Battelle, and several key actors in the libraries, archives, and museums (LAM) field to bring their expertise and on-the-ground experience together to develop science-based information about how materials can be handled to mitigate COVID-19 exposure to staff and visitors of LAM institutions as COVID-19 restrictions begin lifting across the country. This project extends the guidance available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by providing information that is specifically relevant to LAM institutions.

Given that LAM institutions work with physical materials that are often circulated among the public, LAM institutions have unique concerns about how they can optimize their operations while minimizing the potential for spreading the Coronavirus. This evaluation will be focused on understanding the extent to which the professionals from LAM institutions have found that the REALM Project's research test results and toolkit resources have met their needs. Data will be collected through a survey of organizations that have used the test results and toolkit developed by the REALM project.

Agency: Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Title: Evaluation of the Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums Project.

OMB Number: 3137-NEW.

Agency Number: 3137.

Respondents/Affected Public: Staff from library, archive, and museum sectors.

Total Estimated Number of Respondents: TBD. ( printed page 65879)

Frequency of Response: Once.

Average Minutes per Response: TBD.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: TBD.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: n/a.

Cost Burden: TBD.

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.

85 FR 65878