The purpose of this study is to gather
and analyze original data to: (1) better understand achievements,
uses, impacts, and remaining needs for its program of annual
formula-based library Grants to States from approximately
2003-2007; (2) relate services provided through Grants to States to
all library services provided by the State Library Administrative
Agencies in this period and understand the contribution of Grants
to States to stimulating funding for library services; (3) relate
these services to library services and trends in general in this
period; and (4) better understand the function and impact of the
program in the national context of library services.
The increase in burden is due
to the legislated authority that IMLS has to evaluate and conduct
analyses of its own programs. This particular trends study seeks to
evaluate the effectiveness and the public value that these federal
monies have had on the public library community. In addition, the
trends analysis study hopes to validate the use of these funds for
technological advancements in public libraries, and the greater
community benefit that these technologies are having. In the
future, IMLS hopes to be able to fund public libraries to provide
the different types of technologies they are desiring, as well as,
to project where the technological needs will be.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.