This report, which summarizes a series of studies conducted to ascertain the extent to which visually impaired persons use the programs of the Library of Congress National Library Service for the blind and physically handicapped (NLS), presents an overview of findings concerning the size and demographic characteristics of the household target population, the extent of reading and use of reading media, awareness and use of the NLS, characteristics of users and nonusers of the NLS, reasons for nonuse of the NLS, the potential for and obstacles to the expansion of the NLS, the potential for utilization of the talking book program in health care institutions, and the concerns of regional librarians. (FM)