Organization, functions, and authority delegations: Technical amendments,

[Federal Register: September 28, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 187)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 51533-51534]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr28se98-12]

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

45 CFR Part 1700

Organization and Functions

AGENCY: National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS).

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This is a final rule, making technical revisions and reissuing regulations describing the organization and functions of the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS). The revision incorporates changes in the statute governing the Commission and other editorial changes to make the regulations more accurately reflect the current organization and functions of the Commission. These regulations affect NCLIS Commissioners and staff.

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 28, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judith C. Russell, NCLIS Deputy Director, 1110 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 820, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 606-9200 or jr__nclis@inet.ed.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800) 877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) was created on July 20, 1970, by the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act (20 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) as an independent agency within the Executive branch. This rule describes the organization and functions of the Commission.

The regulations governing the Commission currently published at 45 CFR part 1700 have not been updated for many years. The regulations are revised and reissued to incorporate changes in the statute governing the Commission as well as other editorial changes to make the regulations more accurately reflect the current organization and functions of the Commission.

NCLIS considers this rule to be a procedural rule that is exempt from notice and comment under 5 U.S.C. 533(b)(3)(A). This rule is not a significant rule for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This final rule does not impose any reporting requirements or recordkeeping requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

List of Subjects in 45 CFR Part 1700

Authority delegations (Government agencies), Organization and functions (Government agencies).

Accordingly, 45 CFR part 1700 is revised to read as follows:

PART 1700--ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS

Sec.

1700.1 Purpose. 1700.2 Functions. 1700.3 Membership. 1700.4 Chairperson. 1700.5 Executive Director.

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552; 20 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.

Sec. 1700.1 Purpose.

The National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS):

(a) Advises the President and the Congress on library and information services adequate to meet the needs of the people of the United States;

(b) Advises Federal, State, and local governments, and other public and private organizations regarding library services and information science, including consultations on relevant treaties, international agreements, and implementing legislation; and

(c) Promotes research and development activities to extend and improve the nation's library and information handling capabilities as essential links in national and international networks.

Sec. 1700.2 Functions.

The Commission's functions include the following:

(a) Developing and recommending overall plans for library and information services adequate to meet the needs of the people of the United States;

(b) Coordinating, at the Federal, State and local levels, implementation of the plans referred to in paragraph (a) of this section and related activities;

(c) Conducting studies, surveys and analyses of, and hearings on, the library and informational needs of the Nation, including the special needs of rural areas, economically, socially or culturally deprived persons and the elderly;

(d) Evaluating the means by which the needs referred to in paragraph (c) of this section may be met through the establishment or improvement of information centers and libraries;

(e) Appraising the adequacies and deficiencies of current library and information resources and services; and

(f) Evaluating current library and information science programs.

Sec. 1700.3 Membership.

(a) The Commission is composed of the Librarian of Congress, the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (who serves as an ex officio, nonvoting member), and 14 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) The President designates one of the members of the Commission as the Chairperson.

Sec. 1700.4 Chairperson.

(a) To facilitate its work, the Commission from time to time delegates to the Chairperson various duties and responsibilities.

(b) The Commission records formal delegation of the duties and

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responsibilities referred to in paragraph (a) of this section in resolutions and in the minutes of its meetings.

(c) The Chairperson may delegate the duties and responsibilities referred to in paragraph (a) of this section, as necessary, to other Commissioners or the Executive Director of the Commission.

Sec. 1700.5 Executive Director.

(a) The Executive Director serves as the administrative and technical head of the Commission staff, directly responsible for managing its day-to-day operations and assuring that Commission operations conform to all applicable Federal laws.

(b) The Executive Director is directly responsible to the Commission, works under the general direction of the Chairperson, and assists the Chairperson in carrying out the Commission's organizational and administrative responsibilities.

(c) The Executive Director acts as the principal staff advisor to the Chairperson and Commissioners, participating with the Commissioners in the development, recommendation and implementation of overall plans and policies to achieve the Commission's goals.

(d) To facilitate its work, the Commission from time to time delegates to the Executive Director various duties and responsibilities.

(e) The Commission records formal delegation of the duties and responsibilities referred to in paragraph (d) of this section in resolutions and in the minutes of its meetings.

(f) The Executive Director may delegate the duties and responsibilities referred to in paragraph (d) of this section, as necessary, to other members of the Commission staff.

Dated: September 22, 1998. Robert S. Willard, Executive Director.

[FR Doc. 98-25765Filed9-25-98; 8:45 am]

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