Information collection
The process of gathering and documenting data from various sources to fulfill a specific purpose
Information collection is the first step of many when conducting research and it can involve various methods and technologies. It’s also the process by which federal agencies gather or ask for information about the people who use their services. Collections may require the use of complex forms or sensitive questions, including personally identifiable information. Make sure you follow best practices when collecting information to protect the identity of your users, and to respect their time.
Related Policy
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, PDF, 451 KB, 47 Pages)
Resources on Information collection
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Overview of the Privacy Act of 1974 (2020 Edition)
This overview, prepared by the Department of Justice’s Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties (OPCL), covers various provisions of the Privacy Act, as addressed by court decisions in cases involving the Act’s disclosure prohibition, its access and amendment provisions, and its agency record-keeping requirements.
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Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act
A plain language guide which answers the most common questions to the PRA.
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Customer Experience Toolkit
This Toolkit is intended to help government agencies improve how we deliver services and information to the public.
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Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 requires that agencies obtain Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval before requesting most types of information from the public.
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Social Media, Web-Based Interactive Technologies, and the Paperwork Reduction Act
This memo clarifies when and how the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA) applies to federal agency use of social media and web-based interactive technologies.
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M-11-26 New Fast-Track Process for Collecting Service Delivery Feedback Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
The new Paperwork Reduction Act Fast Track Process will allow agencies to obtain timely feedback on service delivery while ensuring that the information collected is useful and minimally burdensome for the public, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
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Paperwork Reduction Act Fast Track Process
Protect Your Customer’s Privacy Federal agencies must follow various laws and regulations, including the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and the Privacy Act, when collecting information from the public. You should also be familiar with SORN (Systems of Records Notice), as well as rules around personally identifiable information, and laws that relate to your specific method of feedback collection
Information collection events
Information collection news
Google Analytics 4: Transition strategies for federal websites
Learn how the Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team at the Department of the Interior (DOI) transitioned from Google Analytics - Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4! Discover how the ODDD team coordinated with the Digital Analytics Program, developed explorations (instead of custom reports), and set up their own DOI agency property. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
Calling All Americans! The federal government is seeking your input
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) wants your thoughts on how federal agencies can more broadly and meaningfully engage with you and your communities. Share your ideas by May 17, 2024 to help build a more inclusive, responsive, transparent, and accountable government. — via Performance.gov
Feedback-Driven Updates to the PRA Guide
This week, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), clarified the process for information collections associated with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). These changes include an easy to understand chart that lays out the steps for this sometimes hard to understand process, and are a direct result of the feedback they’ve been getting from the community. — via The Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act
Introducing a Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act
Applying Customer Service Metrics to Improve Customer Experience (CX)
Resources on Information collection
-
Overview of the Privacy Act of 1974 (2020 Edition)
This overview, prepared by the Department of Justice’s Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties (OPCL), covers various provisions of the Privacy Act, as addressed by court decisions in cases involving the Act’s disclosure prohibition, its access and amendment provisions, and its agency record-keeping requirements.
-
Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act
A plain language guide which answers the most common questions to the PRA.
-
Customer Experience Toolkit
This Toolkit is intended to help government agencies improve how we deliver services and information to the public.
-
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 requires that agencies obtain Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval before requesting most types of information from the public.
-
Social Media, Web-Based Interactive Technologies, and the Paperwork Reduction Act
This memo clarifies when and how the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA) applies to federal agency use of social media and web-based interactive technologies.
-
M-11-26 New Fast-Track Process for Collecting Service Delivery Feedback Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
The new Paperwork Reduction Act Fast Track Process will allow agencies to obtain timely feedback on service delivery while ensuring that the information collected is useful and minimally burdensome for the public, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
-
Paperwork Reduction Act Fast Track Process
Protect Your Customer’s Privacy Federal agencies must follow various laws and regulations, including the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) and the Privacy Act, when collecting information from the public. You should also be familiar with SORN (Systems of Records Notice), as well as rules around personally identifiable information, and laws that relate to your specific method of feedback collection
More News and Events on Information collection
17 posts
Google Analytics 4: Transition strategies for federal websites
Learn how the Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team at the Department of the Interior (DOI) transitioned from Google Analytics - Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4! Discover how the ODDD team coordinated with the Digital Analytics Program, developed explorations (instead of custom reports), and set up their own DOI agency property. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue
Calling All Americans! The federal government is seeking your input
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) wants your thoughts on how federal agencies can more broadly and meaningfully engage with you and your communities. Share your ideas by May 17, 2024 to help build a more inclusive, responsive, transparent, and accountable government. — via Performance.gov
Continuously improve your website by using customer feedback and web analytics: An IRS case study
Feedback-Driven Updates to the PRA Guide
This week, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), clarified the process for information collections associated with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). These changes include an easy to understand chart that lays out the steps for this sometimes hard to understand process, and are a direct result of the feedback they’ve been getting from the community. — via The Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act