New York State has a longstanding commitment to library and media service to the blind and visually handicapped; in fact, the service is generally known to be the first such program organized by any state. Going back to 1896, it was another of the innovations of Melvil Dewey. This report describes the present state of library service to the blind…

Reviews the current dynamic nature of library service to the disabled and institutionalized, emphasizing that the concept underlying the provision of special materials, facilities, and programs for such persons is not essentially different from that which underlies service to other adults: the librarian's role is to serve as intermediary between…

Describes the current and future activities of the IFLA Section of Library Services to Hospital Patients and Handicapped Readers. These include revision of standards, a selection of books for the mentally handicapped, an international bibliography, projected services for the deaf, and various publishing activities. There are five references.…

Discusses the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and some of its effects and impact on public education, focusing on ideas and ways to make the library media center a meaningful experience for the hearing impaired, deaf, blind, and physically handicapped. (MP)

This document begins with an overview of the authority, functions, and responsibilities of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH), an agency of the Library of Congress that is responsible for administering the national program to provide reading materials for the nation's blind and physically handicapped…

This testimony on the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS) provides information on: (1) NLS authority; (2) background; (3) functions and responsibilities; (4) Office of the Director; (5) director; (6) management; (7) budget; (8) division/section/office functions, including the Administrative…

Speeches, papers, and summaries of group discussions from Australia's 1978 national seminar on library services for the visually and physically impaired are presented. The opening and keynote addresses are followed by two papers dealing with the present state of services in Australia and other nations, two papers on the library service needs of…

Provides an example of how libraries can play an instrumental role in breaking the information barrier by providing good, positive, practical information to help people cope with disabilities. Lists several types of resources for information on disabilities. Discusses how librarians can make resources more accessible to individuals and the need…

Speeches, papers and summaries of group discussions from Australia's 1981 national seminar on library services for the visually, mentally and physically impaired are presented. The opening speeches are followed by papers on achievement and progress in library services for the handicapped since 1978 (the date of the first national seminar) (W. D.…