That All May Read

Book excerpt: The book is intended to provide an overview of the needs of blind and physically handicapped individuals who are unable to use print resources and to describe practices designed to meet those needs. An initial section reviews the history of library services to this population, noting federal legislation and agencies which serve them. A detailed history of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is included. Part 2 includes papers on users (results of questionnaires, interviews, and site visits), materials and publishers (including braille, large type materials, and music services); reading aids and devices; state programs from the perspective of a state librarian; and the National Library Service Network. Part 3 presents four papers on the following topics: school library media services, public libraries (services for the blind and physically handicapped); academic library services (facility accessibility, financial considerations); and training and research in librarianship. The final section shifts to an international orientation; the papers in this section focus on developments in library services for blind and physically handicapped persons in other countries and international cooperation. (CL)