No
material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved
collection
No
Regular
06/13/2022
Requested
Previously Approved
11/30/2024
11/30/2024
168
168
10,686
10,686
307,858
307,858
In this clearance submission
(3137-0074) and justification, IMLS is requesting approval of
non-substantive changes to a previously approved clearance for the
Public Libraries Survey. The changes consist of three modifications
to data elements approved by the Chief Officers of the State
Library Administrative Agencies and the State Data Coordinators
that respond to the survey. These changes do not introduce
significant changes to the estimated respondent burden nor to the
costs to the federal government. The Public Libraries Survey has
been conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
under the clearance number 3137-0074. Pursuant to P.L. 107-279, the
Public Libraries Survey collects annual descriptive data on the
universe of public libraries in the United States, the District of
Columbia, and the Outlying Areas. Information such as public
service hours per year, circulation of library books, number of
librarians, population of legal service area, expenditures for
library collection, programs for children and young adults, staff
salary data, and access to technology, etc., would be collected.
Additional information: The FY 2020 PLS aims to capture
Coronavirus-related practices from the entire universe of
approximately 9,300 public libraries in the United States, the
District of Columbia, and outlying areas. Compared to the FY 2020
survey, the FY 2021 PLS will include changes to 35 questions, as
follows: • Addition of 16 questions and modification of six
questions about the number of library programs and attendance at
those programs with more granularity by targeted age group and by
format • Addition of three questions about other physical
collection items and circulation to capture availability and usage
of non-traditional library materials (e.g., wireless hotspots,
other technology, household items) • Addition of two questions and
modification of two questions related to the number of public
access computers, the number of public access computer user
sessions, and the number of wireless internet sessions; these
changes will collect indicators of the precision of related
questions • Revision of one question and deletion of five questions
related to library services during the COVID-19 pandemic
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.