The South African Library for the Blind (SALB) contributes to the quality of life of print-impaired people encouraging independence through access to information, informed decision making, and taking pleasure in the enjoyment of recreational reading. In realizing the vision, SALB implemented two strategic models; agent mini-libraries and…

Academic libraries should be accessible to all students and relevant stakeholders. Students with print disabilities are found in many universities worldwide. This article examines the services and tools that are available at the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa. Literature was used to identify how services, signage, and tools that…

In higher education systems, equal importance must be given to differently abled students. However, not all educational institutions have infrastructure and facilities to admit these students even though accessibility and support for these students is growing. There are many schemes, facilities, services, and financial assistance available to…

Putting access in Access Services is the goal. The Course Reserves unit is the place. Textbooks are the focus. Electronic technologies are the future. Patron-centric services will be our standard. Access to textbooks by all patrons will be the achievement. Course Reserves located in Library West at the University of Florida George A. Smathers…

This study provides an overview of the various products available for library patrons with blindness or visual impairments. To provide some insight into the status of library services for patrons with blindness, a sample of American universities that are recognized for their programs for students with visual impairments was surveyed to discern…

This article reports the results from a national survey of experiences in postsecondary education of students with visual impairments in gaining access to textbooks. Participants were members of listserves sponsored by the student affiliates of the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind. While the majority of…

A nationwide survey completed by 242 braille readers was undertaken to gather information on readers' current use of braille materials and their individual reading interests. The majority of respondents preferred braille as their primary reading medium, yet only 63% had borrowed braille materials from the library in the past year. Readers were…

The paper describes the growth in services of Recording for the Blind, an organization supplying blind and other print-handicapped persons with free, taped educational books in cassette form. Increased acquisition at all age levels and expansion of computer capabilities to create an online subject catalog to the materials are noted. Details of…

The chief of these services at the Library of Congress suggests that international library service for blind and physically handicapped persons be discussed at the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) meeting in Brussels in September 1977. Discussion would focus on the development of a proposal that IFLA establish a working…

It is estimated that 1,868,000 people are certainly eligible for the services of the Library of Congress Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Between 5,781,500 and 11,384,500 are also possibly eligible. Handicapping conditions which are certainly eligible are severe visual impairment, absence of one or both arms or hands, cerebral…

The directory lists regional and subregional libraries offering services to blind and physically handicapped individuals. Entries are arranged alphabetically by state and include name and address, telephone number, librarian's name, hours, and details of the book and special collections as well as special services. Changes in names, addresses, and…

Accreditation standards describe an integrated educational resources program for agencies serving blind and visually handicapped students. Seven areas are examined: planning and organization, personnel, textbook and instructional materials services, library services, equipment services, staff development and consultative services, and program…

A library for the blind is a good public library which deals in several media: Braille, tape, and large type. Such a library has the capability and dedication to provide each patron with personalized service, transcribing materials from regular print on demand. Organizations that simply select books made available the Library of Congress for mail…

The six sections in this manual are: (1) Evaluation of Standards, (2) Implementation of Standards Through Accreditation, (3) Conducting the Agency Self-Study, (4) Contents of the Agency Self-Study Report, (5) The On-Site Review and (6) Translating Study into Action. The appendix contains coding instructions for sections C and D of this guide.…

In Part I of this section of the guide, the agency is asked to set down a clear and comprehensive statement of its philosophy of service and program objectives. Part II calls for basic factual data concerning the agency and the community it serves. Part III seeks to ascertain the agency's policies with respect to certain principles adopted by the…