CHAPTER 72 —MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER II—LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY
Part 1—Basic Program Requirements
Part 2—Library Programs
Part 3—Administrative Provisions
subpart a—state requirements
subpart b—federal requirements
SUBCHAPTER III—MUSEUM SERVICES
Codification
Title II of
Chapter Referred to in Other Sections
This chapter is referred to in
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS
§9101. General definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) Commission
The term "Commission" means the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science established under
(2) Director
The term "Director" means the Director of the Institute appointed under
(3) Institute
The term "Institute" means the Institute of Museum and Library Services established under
(4) Museum Board
The term "Museum Board" means the National Museum Services Board established under
(
Prior Provisions
A prior section 202 of
Short Title of 1997 Amendment
Short Title
Section 101(e) [title VII, §701] of title I of div. A of
Section 201 of title II of
Section 211 of title II of
§9102. Institute of Museum and Library Services
(a) Establishment
There is established, within the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, an Institute of Museum and Library Services.
(b) Offices
The Institute shall consist of an Office of Museum Services and an Office of Library Services. There shall be a National Museum Services Board in the Office of Museum Services.
(
Prior Provisions
A prior section 203 of
Transfer of Functions From Institute of Museum Services
Section 101(e) [title VII, §704] of
"(a)
"(1) the term 'Federal agency' has the meaning given to the term 'agency' by
"(2) the term 'function' means any duty, obligation, power, authority, responsibility, right, privilege, activity, or program; and
"(3) the term 'office' includes any office, administration, agency, institute, unit, organizational entity, or component thereof.
"(b)
"(1) all functions that the Director of the Institute of Museum Services exercised before the date of enactment of this section [Sept. 30, 1996] (including all related functions of any officer or employee of the Institute of Museum Services); and
"(2) all functions that the Director of Library Programs in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement in the Department of Education exercised before the date of enactment of this section and any related function of any officer or employee of the Department of Education.
"(c)
"(d)
"(e)
"(f)
"(g)
"(h)
"(i)
"(1)
"(2)
"(j)
"(1)
"(A) that have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the President, any Federal agency or official of a Federal agency, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the performance of functions that are transferred under this section; and
"(B) that were in effect before the effective date of this section [Sept. 30, 1996], or were final before the effective date of this section and are to become effective on or after the effective date of this section;
shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by the President, the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services or other authorized official, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
"(2)
"(3)
"(4)
"(5)
"(k)
"(1) the services of such officers, employees, and other personnel of the Institute of Museum Services with respect to functions transferred to the Institute of Museum and Library Services by this section; and
"(2) funds appropriated to such functions for such period of time as may reasonably be needed to facilitate the orderly implementation of this section.
"(l)
"(1) the Director of the Institute of Museum Services with regard to functions transferred under subsection (b), shall be deemed to refer to the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services; and
"(2) the Institute of Museum Services with regard to functions transferred under subsection (b), shall be deemed to refer to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
"(m)
"(1)
"(2)
Transition and Transfer of Funds
Section 101(e) [title VII, §707] of title I of div. A of
"(a)
"(b)
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§9103. Director of Institute
(a) Appointment
(1) In general
The Institute shall be headed by a Director, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) Term
The Director shall serve for a term of 4 years.
(3) Qualifications
Beginning with the first individual appointed to the position of Director after September 30, 1996, every second individual so appointed shall be appointed from among individuals who have special competence with regard to library and information services. Beginning with the second individual appointed to the position of Director after September 30, 1996, every second individual so appointed shall be appointed from among individuals who have special competence with regard to museum services.
(b) Compensation
The Director may be compensated at the rate provided for level III of the Executive Schedule under
(c) Duties and powers
The Director shall perform such duties and exercise such powers as may be prescribed by law, including awarding financial assistance for activities described in this chapter.
(d) Nondelegation
The Director shall not delegate any of the functions of the Director to any person who is not an officer or employee of the Institute.
(e) Coordination
The Director shall ensure coordination of the policies and activities of the Institute with the policies and activities of other agencies and offices of the Federal Government having interest in and responsibilities for the improvement of museums and libraries and information services.
(
Prior Provisions
A prior section 204 of
Service of Individuals Serving on September 30, 1996
Section 101(e) [title VII, §705] of div. A of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§9104. Deputy Directors
The Office of Library Services shall be headed by a Deputy Director, who shall be appointed by the Director from among individuals who have a graduate degree in library science and expertise in library and information services. The Office of Museum Services shall be headed by a Deputy Director, who shall be appointed by the Director from among individuals who have expertise in museum services.
(
Prior Provisions
A prior section 205 of
§9105. Personnel
(a) In general
The Director may, in accordance with applicable provisions of title 5, appoint and determine the compensation of such employees as the Director determines to be necessary to carry out the duties of the Institute.
(b) Appointment and compensation of technical and professional employees
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the Director may appoint without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing the appointment in the competitive service and may compensate without regard to the provisions of
(2) Number and compensation
The number of employees appointed and compensated under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 1/5 of the number of full-time regular or professional employees of the Institute. The rate of basic compensation for the employees appointed and compensated under paragraph (1) may not exceed the rate prescribed for level GS–15 of the General Schedule under
(c) Voluntary services
The Director may accept and utilize the voluntary services of individuals and reimburse the individuals for travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same amounts and to the same extent as authorized under
(
References in Text
The provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service, referred to in subsec. (b), are classified generally to
Prior Provisions
A prior section 206 of
Amendments
1997—Subsecs. (b), (c).
Consideration Given to Individuals With Experience
Section 101(e) [title VII, §706] of div. A of
§9106. Contributions
The Institute is authorized to solicit, accept, receive, and invest in the name of the United States, gifts, bequests, or devises of money and other property or services and to use such property or services in furtherance of the functions of the Institute. Any proceeds from such gifts, bequests, or devises, after acceptance by the Institute, shall be paid by the donor or the representative of the donor to the Director. The Director shall enter the proceeds in a special-interest bearing account to the credit of the Institute for the purposes specified in each case.
(
Prior Provisions
A prior section 207 of
SUBCHAPTER II—LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY
Subchapter Referred to in Other Sections
This subchapter is referred to in title 47 section 254.
§9121. Purpose
It is the purpose of this subchapter—
(1) to consolidate Federal library service programs;
(2) to stimulate excellence and promote access to learning and information resources in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages;
(3) to promote library services that provide all users access to information through State, regional, national and international electronic networks;
(4) to provide linkages among and between libraries; and
(5) to promote targeted library services to people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to individuals with disabilities, and to people with limited functional literacy or information skills.
(
§9122. Definitions
As used in this subchapter:
(1) Indian tribe
The term "Indian tribe" means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska native village, regional corporation, or village corporation, as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (
(2) Library
The term "library" includes—
(A) a public library;
(B) a public elementary school or secondary school library;
(C) an academic library;
(D) a research library, which for the purposes of this subchapter means a library that—
(i) makes publicly available library services and materials suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available to the public; and
(ii) is not an integral part of an institution of higher education; and
(E) a private library or other special library, but only if the State in which such private or special library is located determines that the library should be considered a library for purposes of this subchapter.
(3) Library consortium
The term "library consortium" means any local, statewide, regional, interstate, or international cooperative association of library entities which provides for the systematic and effective coordination of the resources of school, public, academic, and special libraries and information centers, for improved services for the clientele of such library entities.
(4) State
The term "State", unless otherwise specified, includes each of the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
(5) State library administrative agency
The term "State library administrative agency" means the official agency of a State charged by the law of the State with the extension and development of public library services throughout the State.
(6) State plan
The term "State plan" means the document which gives assurances that the officially designated State library administrative agency has the fiscal and legal authority and capability to administer all aspects of this subchapter, provides assurances for establishing the State's policies, priorities, criteria, and procedures necessary to the implementation of all programs under this subchapter, submits copies for approval as required by regulations promulgated by the Director, identifies a State's library needs, and sets forth the activities to be taken toward meeting the identified needs supported with the assistance of Federal funds made available under this subchapter.
(
References in Text
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in par. (1), is
Amendments
1997—Par. (2)(E).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§9123. Authorization of appropriations
(a) Authorization of appropriations
(1) In general
There are authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1997 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1998 through 2002 to carry out this subchapter.
(2) Transfer
The Secretary of Education shall—
(A) transfer promptly to the Director any funds appropriated under the authority of paragraph (1), to enable the Director to carry out this subchapter; and
(B) not exercise any authority concerning the administration of this chapter other than the transfer described in subparagraph (A).
(b) Forward funding
(1) In general
To the end of affording the responsible Federal, State, and local officers adequate notice of available Federal financial assistance for carrying out ongoing library activities and projects, appropriations for grants, contracts, or other payments under any program under this subchapter are authorized to be included in the appropriations Act for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which such activities and projects shall be carried out.
(2) Additional authorization of appropriations
In order to effect a transition to the timing of appropriation action authorized by subsection (a) of this section, the application of this section may result in the enactment, in a fiscal year, of separate appropriations for a program under this subchapter (whether in the same appropriations Act or otherwise) for two consecutive fiscal years.
(c) Administration
Not more than 3 percent of the funds appropriated under this section for a fiscal year may be used to pay for the Federal administrative costs of carrying out this subchapter.
(
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
Part 1—Basic Program Requirements
§9131. Reservations and allotments
(a) Reservations
(1) In general
From the amount appropriated under the authority of
(A) shall reserve 1.75 percent to award grants in accordance with
(B) shall reserve 3.75 percent to award national leadership grants or contracts in accordance with
(2) Special rule
If the funds reserved pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) for a fiscal year have not been obligated by the end of such fiscal year, then such funds shall be allotted in accordance with subsection (b) of this section for the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year for which the funds were so reserved.
(b) Allotments
(1) In general
From the sums appropriated under the authority of
(2) Remainder
From the remainder of any sums appropriated under the authority of
(3) Minimum allotment
(A) In general
For the purposes of this subsection, the minimum allotment for each State shall be $340,000, except that the minimum allotment shall be $40,000 in the case of the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
(B) Ratable reductions
If the sum appropriated under the authority of
(C) Special rule
(i) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection and using funds allotted for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau under this subsection, the Director shall award grants to Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau to carry out activities described in this subchapter in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter that the Director determines are not inconsistent with this subparagraph.
(ii) Award basis
The Director shall award grants pursuant to clause (i) on a competitive basis and pursuant to recommendations from the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii.
(iii) Termination of eligibility
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau shall not receive any funds under this subchapter for any fiscal year that begins after September 30, 2001.
(iv) Administrative costs
The Director may provide not more than 5 percent of the funds made available for grants under this subparagraph to pay the administrative costs of the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory regarding activities assisted under this subparagraph.
(4) Data
The population of each State and of all the States shall be determined by the Director on the basis of the most recent data available from the Bureau of the Census.
(
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (a)(1)(A).
Subsec. (a)(1)(B).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§9132. Administration
(a) In general
Not more than 4 percent of the total amount of funds received under this subchapter for any fiscal year by a State may be used for administrative costs.
(b) Construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit spending for evaluation costs under
(
§9133. Payments; Federal share; and maintenance of effort requirements
(a) Payments
Subject to appropriations provided pursuant to
(b) Federal share
(1) In general
The Federal share shall be 66 percent.
(2) Non-Federal share
The non-Federal share of payments shall be provided from non-Federal, State, or local sources.
(c) Maintenance of effort
(1) State expenditures
(A) Requirement
(i) In general
The amount otherwise payable to a State for a fiscal year pursuant to an allotment under this part shall be reduced if the level of State expenditures, as described in paragraph (2), for the previous fiscal year is less than the average of the total of such expenditures for the 3 fiscal years preceding that previous fiscal year. The amount of the reduction in the allotment for any fiscal year shall be equal to the allotment multiplied by a fraction—
(I) the numerator of which is the result obtained by subtracting the level of such State expenditures for the fiscal year for which the determination is made, from the average of the total level of such State expenditures for the 3 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made; and
(II) the denominator of which is the average of the total level of such State expenditures for the 3 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made.
(ii) Calculation
Any decrease in State expenditures resulting from the application of subparagraph (B) shall be excluded from the calculation of the average level of State expenditures for any 3-year period described in clause (i).
(B) Decrease in Federal support
If the amount made available under this subchapter for a fiscal year is less than the amount made available under this subchapter for the preceding fiscal year, then the expenditures required by subparagraph (A) for such preceding fiscal year shall be decreased by the same percentage as the percentage decrease in the amount so made available.
(2) Level of State expenditures
The level of State expenditures for the purposes of paragraph (1) shall include all State dollars expended by the State library administrative agency for library programs that are consistent with the purposes of this subchapter. All funds included in the maintenance of effort calculation under this subsection shall be expended during the fiscal year for which the determination is made, and shall not include capital expenditures, special one-time project costs, or similar windfalls.
(3) Waiver
The Director may waive the requirements of paragraph (1) if the Director determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances such as a natural disaster or a precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of the State.
(
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i).
§9134. State plans
(a) State plan required
(1) In general
In order to be eligible to receive a grant under this subchapter, a State library administrative agency shall submit a State plan to the Director not later than April 1, 1997.
(2) Duration
The State plan shall cover a period of 5 fiscal years.
(3) Revisions
If a State library administrative agency makes a substantive revision to its State plan, then the State library administrative agency shall submit to the Director an amendment to the State plan containing such revision not later than April 1 of the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the amendment will be effective.
(b) Contents
The State plan shall—
(1) establish goals, and specify priorities, for the State consistent with the purposes of this subchapter;
(2) describe activities that are consistent with the goals and priorities established under paragraph (1), the purposes of this subchapter, and
(3) describe the procedures that such agency will use to carry out the activities described in paragraph (2);
(4) describe the methodology that such agency will use to evaluate the success of the activities established under paragraph (2) in achieving the goals and meeting the priorities described in paragraph (1);
(5) describe the procedures that such agency will use to involve libraries and library users throughout the State in policy decisions regarding implementation of this subchapter; and 1
(6) provide assurances that the State will comply with subsection (f) of this section; and
(7) provide assurances satisfactory to the Director that such agency will make such reports, in such form and containing such information, as the Director may reasonably require to carry out this subchapter and to determine the extent to which funds provided under this subchapter have been effective in carrying out the purposes of this subchapter.
(c) Evaluation and report
Each State library administrative agency receiving a grant under this subchapter shall independently evaluate, and report to the Director regarding, the activities assisted under this subchapter, prior to the end of the 5-year plan.
(d) Information
Each library receiving assistance under this subchapter shall submit to the State library administrative agency such information as such agency may require to meet the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.
(e) Approval
(1) In general
The Director shall approve any State plan under this subchapter that meets the requirements of this subchapter and provides satisfactory assurances that the provisions of such plan will be carried out.
(2) Public availability
Each State library administrative agency receiving a grant under this subchapter shall make the State plan available to the public.
(3) Administration
If the Director determines that the State plan does not meet the requirements of this section, the Director shall—
(A) immediately notify the State library administrative agency of such determination and the reasons for such determination;
(B) offer the State library administrative agency the opportunity to revise its State plan;
(C) provide technical assistance in order to assist the State library administrative agency in meeting the requirements of this section; and
(D) provide the State library administrative agency the opportunity for a hearing.
(f) Internet safety
(1) In general
No funds made available under this chapter for a library described in section 9122(2)(A) or (B) of this title that does not receive services at discount rates under
(A) such library—
(i) has in place a policy of Internet safety for minors that includes the operation of a technology protection measure with respect to any of its computers with Internet access that protects against access through such computers to visual depictions that are—
(I) obscene;
(II) child pornography; or
(III) harmful to minors; and
(ii) is enforcing the operation of such technology protection measure during any use of such computers by minors; and
(B) such library—
(i) has in place a policy of Internet safety that includes the operation of a technology protection measure with respect to any of its computers with Internet access that protects against access through such computers to visual depictions that are—
(I) obscene; or
(II) child pornography; and
(ii) is enforcing the operation of such technology protection measure during any use of such computers.
(2) Access to other materials
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a library from limiting Internet access to or otherwise protecting against materials other than those referred to in subclauses (I), (II), and (III) of paragraph (1)(A)(i).
(3) Disabling during certain use
An administrator, supervisor, or other authority may disable a technology protection measure under paragraph (1) to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
(4) Timing and applicability of implementation
(A) In general
A library covered by paragraph (1) shall certify the compliance of such library with the requirements of paragraph (1) as part of the application process for the next program funding year under this chapter following the effective date of this subsection, and for each subsequent program funding year thereafter.
(B) Process
(i) Libraries with Internet safety policies and technology protection measures in place
A library covered by paragraph (1) that has in place an Internet safety policy meeting the requirements of paragraph (1) shall certify its compliance with paragraph (1) during each annual program application cycle under this chapter.
(ii) Libraries without Internet safety policies and technology protection measures in place
A library covered by paragraph (1) that does not have in place an Internet safety policy meeting the requirements of paragraph (1)—
(I) for the first program year after the effective date of this subsection in which the library applies for funds under this chapter, shall certify that it is undertaking such actions, including any necessary procurement procedures, to put in place an Internet safety policy that meets such requirements; and
(II) for the second program year after the effective date of this subsection in which the library applies for funds under this chapter, shall certify that such library is in compliance with such requirements.
Any library covered by paragraph (1) that is unable to certify compliance with such requirements in such second program year shall be ineligible for all funding under this chapter for such second program year and all subsequent program years until such time as such library comes into compliance with such requirements.
(iii) Waivers
Any library subject to a certification under clause (ii)(II) that cannot make the certification otherwise required by that clause may seek a waiver of that clause if State or local procurement rules or regulations or competitive bidding requirements prevent the making of the certification otherwise required by that clause. The library shall notify the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services of the applicability of that clause to the library. Such notice shall certify that the library will comply with the requirements in paragraph (1) before the start of the third program year after the effective date of this subsection for which the library is applying for funds under this chapter.
(5) Noncompliance
(A) Use of General Education Provisions Act remedies
Whenever the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services has reason to believe that any recipient of funds this 2 chapter is failing to comply substantially with the requirements of this subsection, the Director may—
(i) withhold further payments to the recipient under this chapter,
(ii) issue a complaint to compel compliance of the recipient through a cease and desist order, or
(iii) enter into a compliance agreement with a recipient to bring it into compliance with such requirements.
(B) Recovery of funds prohibited
The actions authorized by subparagraph (A) are the exclusive remedies available with respect to the failure of a library to comply substantially with a provision of this subsection, and the Director shall not seek a recovery of funds from the recipient for such failure.
(C) Recommencement of payments
Whenever the Director determines (whether by certification or other appropriate evidence) that a recipient of funds who is subject to the withholding of payments under subparagraph (A)(i) has cured the failure providing the basis for the withholding of payments, the Director shall cease the withholding of payments to the recipient under that subparagraph.
(6) Separability
If any provision of this subsection is held invalid, the remainder of this subsection shall not be affected thereby.
(7) Definitions
In this section:
(A) Child pornography
The term "child pornography" has the meaning given such term in
(B) Harmful to minors
The term "harmful to minors" means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that—
(i) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
(ii) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
(iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
(C) Minor
The term "minor" means an individual who has not attained the age of 17.
(D) Obscene
The term "obscene" has the meaning given such term in
(E) Sexual act; sexual contact
The terms "sexual act" and "sexual contact" have the meanings given such terms in
(
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), (4), (5)(A), was in the original "this Act" and was translated as reading "this title", meaning title II of
For the effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (f)(4), as 120 days after Dec. 21, 2000, see §1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, §1712(b)] of
The General Education Provisions Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(5)(A), is title IV of
Amendments
2000—Subsec. (b)(6), (7).
Subsec. (f).
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
1 So in original. The word "and" probably should not appear.
2 So in original. Probably should be preceded by "under".
Part 2—Library Programs
§9141. Grants to States
(a) In general
Of the funds provided to a State library administrative agency under
(1)(A) establishing or enhancing electronic linkages among or between libraries;
(B) electronically linking libraries with educational, social, or information services;
(C) assisting libraries in accessing information through electronic networks;
(D) encouraging libraries in different areas, and encouraging different types of libraries, to establish consortia and share resources; or
(E) paying costs for libraries to acquire or share computer systems and telecommunications technologies; and
(2) targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with
(b) Special rule
Each State library administrative agency receiving funds under this part may apportion the funds available for the purposes described in subsection (a) of this section between the two purposes described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such subsection, as appropriate, to meet the needs of the individual State.
(
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
Part 3—Administrative Provisions
subpart a—state requirements
§9151. State advisory councils
Each State desiring assistance under this subchapter may establish a State advisory council which is broadly representative of the library entities in the State, including public, school, academic, special, and institutional libraries, and libraries serving individuals with disabilities.
(
subpart b—federal requirements
§9161. Services for Native Americans
From amounts reserved under
(
Amendments
1997—
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§9162. National leadership grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
(a) In general
From the amounts reserved under
(1) education and training of persons in library and information science, particularly in areas of new technology and other critical needs, including graduate fellowships, traineeships, institutes, or other programs;
(2) research and demonstration projects related to the improvement of libraries, education in library and information science, enhancement of library services through effective and efficient use of new technologies, and dissemination of information derived from such projects;
(3) preserving or digitization of library materials and resources, giving priority to projects emphasizing coordination, avoidance of duplication, and access by researchers beyond the institution or library entity undertaking the project; and
(4) model programs demonstrating cooperative efforts between libraries and museums.
(b) Grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
(1) In general
The Director may carry out the activities described in subsection (a) of this section by awarding grants to, or entering into contracts or cooperative agreements,1 with, libraries, agencies, institutions of higher education, or museums, where appropriate.
(2) Competitive basis
Grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under this section shall be awarded on a competitive basis.
(c) Special rule
The Director shall make every effort to ensure that activities assisted under this section are administered by appropriate library and museum professionals or experts.
(
Amendments
1997—
Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (b)(2).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
1 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.
§9163. State and local initiatives
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to interfere with State and local initiatives and responsibility in the conduct of library services. The administration of libraries, the selection of personnel and library books and materials, and insofar as consistent with the purposes of this subchapter, the determination of the best uses of the funds provided under this subchapter, shall be reserved for the States and their local subdivisions.
(
SUBCHAPTER III—MUSEUM SERVICES
§9171. Purpose
It is the purpose of this subchapter—
(1) to encourage and assist museums in their educational role, in conjunction with formal systems of elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education and with programs of nonformal education for all age groups;
(2) to assist museums in modernizing their methods and facilities so that the museums are better able to conserve the cultural, historic, and scientific heritage of the United States; and
(3) to ease the financial burden borne by museums as a result of their increasing use by the public.
(
§9172. Definitions
As used in this subchapter:
(1) Museum
The term "museum" means a public or private nonprofit agency or institution organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes, that utilizes a professional staff, owns or utilizes tangible objects, cares for the tangible objects, and exhibits the tangible objects to the public on a regular basis.
(2) State
The term "State" means each of the 50 States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
(
§9173. Museum services activities
(a) Grants
The Director, subject to the policy direction of the Museum Board, may make grants to museums to pay for the Federal share of the cost of increasing and improving museum services, through such activities as—
(1) programs that enable museums to construct or install displays, interpretations, and exhibitions in order to improve museum services provided to the public;
(2) assisting museums in developing and maintaining professionally trained or otherwise experienced staff to meet the needs of the museums;
(3) assisting museums in meeting the administrative costs of preserving and maintaining the collections of the museums, exhibiting the collections to the public, and providing educational programs to the public through the use of the collections;
(4) assisting museums in cooperating with each other in developing traveling exhibitions, meeting transportation costs, and identifying and locating collections available for loan;
(5) assisting museums in the conservation of their collections;
(6) developing and carrying out specialized programs for specific segments of the public, such as programs for urban neighborhoods, rural areas, Indian reservations, and penal and other State institutions; and
(7) model programs demonstrating cooperative efforts between libraries and museums.
(b) Contracts and cooperative agreements
(1) Projects to strengthen museum services
The Director, subject to the policy direction of the Museum Board, is authorized to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with appropriate entities, as determined by the Director, to pay for the Federal share of enabling the entities to undertake projects designed to strengthen museum services, except that any contracts or cooperative agreements entered into pursuant to this subsection shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts.
(2) Limitation on amount
The aggregate amount of financial assistance made available under this subsection for a fiscal year shall not exceed 15 percent of the amount appropriated under this subchapter for such fiscal year.
(3) Operational expenses
No financial assistance may be provided under this subsection to pay for operational expenses.
(c) Federal share
(1) 50 percent
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be not more than 50 percent.
(2) Greater than 50 percent
The Director may use not more than 20 percent of the funds made available under this subchapter for a fiscal year to make grants under subsection (a) of this section, or enter into contracts or agreements under subsection (b) of this section, for which the Federal share may be greater than 50 percent.
(d) Review and evaluation
The Director shall establish procedures for reviewing and evaluating grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements made or entered into under this subchapter. Procedures for reviewing grant applications or contracts and cooperative agreements for financial assistance under this subchapter shall not be subject to any review outside of the Institute.
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§9174. Award
The Director, with the advice of the Museum Board, may annually award a National Award for Museum Service to outstanding museums that have made significant contributions in service to their communities.
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§9175. National Museum Services Board
(a) Establishment
There is established in the Institute a National Museum Services Board.
(b) Composition and qualifications
(1) Composition
The Museum Board shall consist of the Director and 14 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) Qualifications
The appointive members of the Museum Board shall be selected from among citizens of the United States—
(A) who are members of the general public;
(B) who are or have been affiliated with—
(i) resources that, collectively, are broadly representative of the curatorial, conservation, educational, and cultural resources of the United States; or
(ii) museums that, collectively, are broadly representative of various types of museums, including museums relating to science, history, technology, art, zoos, and botanical gardens; and
(C) who are recognized for their broad knowledge, expertise, or experience in museums or commitment to museums.
(3) Geographic and other representation
Members of the Museum Board shall be appointed to reflect persons from various geographic regions of the United States. The Museum Board may not include, at any time, more than 3 members from a single State. In making such appointments, the President shall give due regard to equitable representation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who are involved with museums.
(c) Terms
(1) In general
Each appointive member of the Museum Board shall serve for a term of 5 years, except that—
(A) of the members first appointed, 3 shall serve for terms of 5 years, 3 shall serve for terms of 4 years, 3 shall serve for terms of 3 years, 3 shall serve for terms of 2 years, and 2 shall serve for terms of 1 year, as designated by the President at the time of nomination for appointment; and
(B) any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of the member was appointed.
(2) Reappointment
No member of the Museum Board who has been a member for more than 7 consecutive years shall be eligible for reappointment.
(3) Service until successor takes office
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a member of the Museum Board shall serve after the expiration of the term of the member until the successor to the member takes office.
(d) Duties and powers
The Museum Board shall have the responsibility to advise the Director on general policies with respect to the duties, powers, and authority of the Institute relating to museum services, including general policies with respect to—
(1) financial assistance awarded under this subchapter for museum services; and
(2) projects described in
(e) Chairperson
The President shall designate 1 of the appointive members of the Museum Board as Chairperson of the Museum Board.
(f) Meetings
(1) In general
The Museum Board shall meet—
(A) not less than 3 times each year, including—
(i) not less than 2 times each year separately; and
(ii) not less than 1 time each year in a joint meeting with the Commission, convened for purposes of making general policies with respect to financial assistance for projects described in
(B) at the call of the Director.
(2) Vote
All decisions by the Museum Board with respect to the exercise of the duties and powers of the Museum Board shall be made by a majority vote of the members of the Museum Board who are present. All decisions by the Commission and the Museum Board with respect to the policies described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) shall be made by a 2/3 majority vote of the total number of the members of the Commission and the Museum Board who are present.
(g) Quorum
A majority of the members of the Museum Board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at official meetings of the Museum Board, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. A majority of the members of the Commission and a majority of the members of the Museum Board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at official joint meetings of the Commission and the Museum Board.
(h) Compensation and travel expenses
(1) Compensation
Each member of the Museum Board who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government may be compensated at a rate to be fixed by the President, but not to exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum rate authorized for a position above grade GS–15 of the General Schedule under
(2) Travel expenses
The members of the Museum Board may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same amounts and to the same extent, as authorized under
(i) Coordination
The Museum Board, with the advice of the Director, shall take steps to ensure that the policies and activities of the Institute are coordinated with other activities of the Federal Government.
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Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§9176. Authorization of appropriations
(a) Grants
For the purpose of carrying out this subchapter, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Director $28,700,000 for the fiscal year 1997, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1998 through 2002.
(b) Administration
Not more than 10 percent of the funds appropriated under this section for a fiscal year may be used to pay for the administrative costs of carrying out this subchapter.
(c) Sums remaining available
Sums appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for any fiscal year shall remain available for obligation until expended.
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