NLM Generic Clearance Request Form_HSDB NA_02 09 12[1]

SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION COLLECTION

UNDER GENERIC CLEARANCES

DATE OF REQUEST: February 9, 2012

SUB AGENCY (I/C): National Library of Medicine

TITLE: HSDB Needs Assessment

GENERIC CLEARANCE UNDER OMB# ­ 0925-0476 EXP. DATE: 06/30/2012

ABSTRACT:

We are requesting clearance for a web survey evaluation of users’ experience with the Hazardous Substances Database (HSDB) as a professional resource as well as collection of requirements for an enhanced resource. The HSDB is maintained by Specialized Information Services, National Library of Medicine. The goals of the evaluation and needs assessment are to assess the needs of HSDB users and non-users as they relate to (1) information needs; (2) data sources utilized to fulfill information needs; (3) preferences and requirements for accessing needed data; and (3) known gaps in available information. Among HSDB users we also seek to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement to the HSDB as they relate to informativeness; currentness and completeness of content; access and ease of use; and the scientific peer review process. Findings of the survey will inform improving the design of the database, including its content organization scheme and visual interface.

Participants will be recruited through key stakeholder organizations such as professional trade organizations, professional networks, and consumer advocacy groups, all of whom have some need for environmental health and toxicology information. Participation will be strictly voluntary. Invitations will be delivered via e-mail to the groups’ listservs as well as posted to organizational websites and social media pages. As this aims to identify existing usability problems rather than representative views, we will not seek out a representative sample of professionals. One-hundred and fifty participants will be recruited. Given the average completion time of 20 minutes per participant, the total burden of the proposed project is 50 hours. The analysis of the data will be performed by contractor staff with statistical training.

As the sole goal of the survey is to uncover potential ways to improve the portal’s usability, and as we wish to minimize the burden on the participants, we do not intend to collect any demographics information about the users.

TOTAL ANNUAL BURDEN APPROVED: 3,600

BURDEN USED TO DATE: 80

BURDEN THIS REQUEST: 50

IS RACE AND ETHNICITY DATA COLLECTED AS REQUIRED?

______YES __X____NO______N/A

OBLIGATION TO RESPOND:

X VOLUNTARY

______ REQUIRED TO OBTAIN OR RETAIN BENEFITS

______ MANDATORY

HOW WILL THIS SURVEY BE OFFERED?

__X___ WEB SITE

_____ TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

_____ MAIL RESPONSE

_____ IN PERSON INTERVIEW

_____ OTHER: ___________________________________

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NAME: Shannon M. Jordan, MPH

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 301-496-5856

EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]