On December 20, 2007, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) issued a proposed regulation seeking to clarify the Presidential Libraries Act (PLA) amendments of 1986. The law requires the Archivist of the United States to promulgate architectural and design standards for Presidential libraries and to report to Congress before he accepts title to or enters into an agreement to use land, a facility, and equipment as a Presidential library. The Archivist must also report to Congress before accepting a gift for the purpose of making any physical or material change or addition to an existing library.

The proposed rule seeks to define:

• What are the architectural and design standards for Presidential libraries?
• What certifications must be provided to NARA by the Presidential library foundation?
• When does a foundation consult with NARA before offering a gift of a physical or material change, or addition to an existing library?
• What information must be provided to NARA for its report to Congress on a change or addition to a Presidential library facility?
• What type of endowment is required for a Presidential library?
• What standard does NARA use for measuring building size?

Comments on the proposed rule must be received by February 19, 2008. Details on how and where to submit comments are available in the December 20, 2007, edition of the Federal Register.