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), explains the survey methodology used and presents an overview of findings concerning characteristics, activities, and needs of people with limitations in reading print; the prevalence of people with print limitations; reading habits of people with print limitations; awareness and use of the NLS; satisfaction with the NLS program; the role of health care institutions in satisfying the reading needs of residents with print limitations; and organizational issues bearing on the provision of NLS services. One hundred references are listed. An abbreviated version of this report is available as ED 197 750. (FM)