IMLS requests an approval of a new three year clearance for the agencyâs information collection requests for the State Reporting System for the Grants to States Program under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The SPR currently gathers descriptive information from SLAAs about the project inputs (e.g., budget categories), activities, outputs and narrative fields for describing other results. These administrative data are used for IMLS program planning, GPRA/PAR and other reporting with the Administration and Congress. The requested addition of performance measure questions introduce reporting on a limited set of standardized beneficiary outcomes aligned with formula grant requirements. This reporting will allow IMLS and its State partners to use the outcome data to better understand the effectiveness of the funded projects, to improve accountability, and to identify promising practices based on outcome data for broader dissemination across the library sector.
This clearance number is only being used for Grants to States forms. Other IMLS forms were given new clearance numbers therefore the decrease in burden.
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.