The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

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Name: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped ("Talking Books")
Date(s): advertised fairly heavily in fannish publications in the late 1970s
Profit/Nonprofit: non-profit, government, The Library of Congress
Country based in: United States
Focus: materials in other formats other than standard print
External Links: NLS Home, Archived version
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National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is a service for readers. It was advertised in several fannish publications in the late 1970s. While it was a service offered by the Library of Congress for patrons who had difficulty reading materials in standard print, the fan ads emphasized the fact that it had a robust collection of science fiction, some of which were professional Star Trek books.

"Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS administers a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail." [1]

History

The free library service was established by an Act of Congress in 1931 to provide blind adults with books in an embossed format. The Act was amended in 1934 to include sound recordings (talking books), and was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, and again in 1966 to include individuals with physical limitations that prevent the reading of regular print.[2]

A Science Fiction Push: 1981

From a letter, with an emphasis on Star Trek and science fiction, by the government printed in a fanzine in 1981:

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR ALL STAR TREK AND SCIENCE FICTION FANS WITH A VISUAL OR PHYSICAL HANDICAP:

Science fiction fans who are unable to read standard printed materials because of visual or physical limitations may receive a free service from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). Books In all subject areas are available in braille or recorded form (records and cassettes), and playback equipment is provided, too. Recognizing the popularity of science fiction and especially the current Interest in Star Trek, NLS offers a number of popular science-fiction titles. Please use the form at the bottom of the page to request more information about the talking-book program and an application for this free library service.

Remember, the talking-book service can be used only by persons who are unable to read ordinary print. If you have a physical handicap or knov someone vho has a physical handicap that prevents the reading of standard print, send for information today. If you vish to recommend Star Trek or" science fiction books, please give title, author, and publisher.[3]

A 1981 Fannish Push

There is a blurb and photo in A Piece of the Action #71 about Jacqueline Lichtenberg visiting the The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and receiving a complimentary cassette of the book Star Trek Lives!. Sime~Gen fans were encouraged to nominate Jacqueline Lichtenberg's books for this service. From A Companion in Zeor #7:

Talking Books are available only through REGIONAL LIBRARIES.

Certain criteria are used to decide which individuals are eligible to use this loan service. These qualifications are reprinted on the reverse of this page. If you, or someone whom you know, might be eligible, please fill out the coupon on the following page, and send it in to the Library of Congress to receive the application form for the program. This flyer is one given out at Conventions and may be duplicated for distribution. Removing of the flyer from the issue will not change the contents, as the back of it is blank.

Additional applications, and a list of Regional Libraries are available from the Reference Section of the Library of Congress.

VIC [4] also mentioned that since the original article was written, "Unto Zeor Forever" has been added to the Talking Books available to the public.

From an Ad in Scuttlebutt #13

Special notice for all Star Trek and Science Fiction fans with a visual or physical handicap - fans who are unable to read standard printed materials because of a visual or physical limitation may receive a free service from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physical Handicapped (NLS). Books in all subject areas are available in braille or recored form (records and cassettes), and playback equipment is provided, too. Recognizing the tremendous popularity of science fiction, especially the current interest in Star Trek, NLS offers a number of popular science-fiction titles. Remember, the talking-book service can only be used by people who have a physical handicap that prevents the reading of standard print... If you wish to recommend Star Trek or science fiction books, please give title, author, and publisher. For information on the talking-book program and an application for this free library service, please write the NLS.

Gallery

  • a 1981 write-up in A Companion in Zeor encouraging fans to nominate science fiction books for this service

  • a 1978 official explanation and requirements, printed in a zine in 1981

  • a 1981 form

Similar Fan Services

References

  1. ^ NLS Home, Archived version, accessed July 2017
  2. ^ Frequently Asked Questions, Archived version
  3. ^ printed in A Companion in Zeor #7
  4. ^ "VIC" is Victor Schmidt, a Maryland fan, who was spearheading a push for Lichtenberg's books (and probably others as well).
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