FY22 Justification for Nonsubstantive Change PLS

Justification for Change

Public Libraries Survey (3137-0074)

IMLS is requesting approval for non-substantive changes to the 35^th cycle of the Public Libraries Survey, conducted following the close of FY2022. Data collection will take place from January 2023 through early August 2023.

Request Abstract:

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:

1. Revision 204 Geographic Code: The revised definition and list of categories now align with current U.S. Census Bureau geographic categories, use updated terminology for subcategories, and specify that the State Library Administrative Agency (SLAA) is responsible to determine the values of this data element for their Administrative Entities.

2. Revision 630 Total Views of Asynchronous Program Presentations within 30 Days: This revision changes the tracking period for each asynchronous program presentation (e.g., recordings) to 30 days from 7 days (as originally implemented in the FY21 instrument).

3. Addition 504 Current Overdue Fine Policy: This addition adds one “Yes/No” data element about the library’s current overdue fine policy for physical print materials.

For reference, the FY 2021 PLS survey instrument can be found here: https://submitpls.imls.gov/Assets/pdfs/Appendix%20A2%20Survey%20Instrument%20Data%20Element%20Definitions.pdf

Burden Estimate:

The respondent burden remains the same.

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