OVERVIEW

The Library of Congress, as authorized by Public Law 89-522, administers a national reading program for blind and physically handicapped residents of the United States and for all U.S. citizens living abroad. Under the management of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), books and magazines in braille and recorded formats, as well as specially designed playback equipment, are produced and distributed through a network of state and locally supported libraries. Program policy is to provide eligible readers with access to a broad collection of general interest reading material in adequate quantity and scope, in appropriate language and reading level, and with careful attention to quality control of all products. Advisory committees, all of which include consumer and library representatives, provide recommendations for program additions and enhancements. In addition, research and evaluation are conducted to improve the quality of books, equipment, and service.

Background

A free national library program of braille and recorded materials for blind and physically handicapped persons is administered by the NLS. NLS selects and produces fulllength books and magazines in braille and on cassettes. Reading materials are distributed to a cooperating network of regional and sub-regional (local) libraries where they are circulated to eligible borrowers. Reading materials and playback machines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail. Established by an act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults, the program was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, and again in 1966 to include individuals with other physical impairments that prevent the reading of standard print. In 1996, the U.S. Copyright Law was amended to allow NLS to produce audio and braille books without the requirement to gain permission from the copyright holder.

Eligibility

Anyone who is unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations may receive service. A survey sponsored by NLS found that two (2) million persons with some type of visual impairment may be eligible and another million with physical conditions such as paralysis, missing arms or hands, lack of muscle coordination, or prolonged weakness could benefit from the use of reading materials in recorded form.

Book Collection

Books are selected on the basis of their appeal to a wide range of interests. Bestsellers, biographies, fiction, and how-to books are in great demand. A limited number of titles are produced in Spanish and other languages for readers whose

primary language is not English. Registered borrowers learn of new books added to the collection through two bimonthly publications, Braille Book Review and Talking Book Topics. Through an online union catalog every user and every network library has access to the entire NLS book collection and to the resources of several cooperating agencies.

Magazines in audio and braille formats are offered through the program. Readers may request free subscriptions to U.S. News and World Report, National Geographic, Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated for Kids, People, Rolling Stone, PC World, Smart Computing, Bon Appétit, NFL, and other sports schedules, and many other popular magazines. Current issues are mailed to readers at the same time the print issues appear.

Volunteer Services

Free correspondence courses leading to certification in braille transcribing (literary, music, and mathematics braille) and braille proofreading are offered. Auditions and informal training are given to volunteer tape narrators affiliated with local recording groups. A directory of volunteer groups that produce books for libraries and individuals is published biennially. Volunteers may call on NLS staff for their expertise in braille transcription and recording techniques.

Research and Development

The NLS research program is directed toward improving the quality of reading materials and related equipment, controlling program costs, and reducing the time required to deliver services to users. Significant research activities include development of a digital talking book player and the methods for producing and distributing digital audio books and periodicals.

FY 2003 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Library of Congress Goal 13:

Ensure a high-quality, responsive, and free national reading program is available to the nation's blind and physically handicapped people.

Approximately 23.8 million audio and braille books and magazines were circulated to the blind and physically handicapped readership.

Provided and expanded web braille services to patrons of the NLS program. Currently 6,700 book and magazine titles and music scores are available to users - up from 4,500 in FY 2002.

Continued the process to design and produce prototypes of a National Information Standards Organization (NISO) compliant Digital Talking Book (DTB) machine. Finalized arrangements with the General Services Administration to procure and monitor a contract to design a prototype DTB machine.

FY 2004 PRIORITIES

Research, design and produce audio digital and web braille magazines, books and talking book players for program patrons by:

Providing digital access to audio magazines through the Web.

Continuing the development and implementation of digital specifications for all production stages of books and magazines.

Providing and expanding web braille services to patrons.

EY 2005 PRIORITIES

Continue priorities noted in FY 2004 and design a DTB machine and distribution medium.

Begin converting audio titles from the NLS analog collection to digital format.

FY 2005 BUDGET REQUEST

The Library is requesting a total of $53.937 million, in FY 2005, to support the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program. This reflects an increase of $2.536 million above FY 2004 and includes $1.036 million in mandatory and price level increases and $1.5 million for program changes. Total FTEs requested is 128, same level as in FY 2004.