The Library of Congress, as authorized by Public Law 89-522, administers a national reading program for blind and physically handicapped residents
of the United States and for all U.S. citizens living abroad. Under the management of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
(NLS), books and magazines in braille and recorded formats, as well as specially designed playback equipment, are produced and distributed through a
network of state and locally supported libraries. Program policy is to provide handicapped readers with access to a broad collection of general interest reading
material in adequate quantity and scope, in appropriate language and reading level, and with careful attention to quality control of all products. Advisory
committees, which include consumer and library representatives, provide recommendations for program additions and enhancements. In addition, research
and evaluation are conducted to improve the quality of books, equipment, and service.

To ensure the availability of a basic, high quality library service for eligible blind and physically handicapped individuals, the following management goals are represented in this fiscal 2001 budget request:

1. With cooperation from the network of librarians serving blind and physically handicapped individuals, the National Library Service
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped will strive to maintain current level of service to library patrons, while simultaneously
providing basic service to eligible individuals entering the program as new users;

2. Maintain a level of sound reproduction machines able to satisfy basic users' requirements while developing no waiting lines; and

3. Explore digital technological possibilities to the point of considering adaptations of a cost effective, efficient, internationally acceptable, user-friendly delivery system through implementation of the NISO/ANSI/ISO process.

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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

BOOKS FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED SALARIES AND EXPENSES

BOOK COLLECTION

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Free correspondence courses leading to certification in braille transcribing (literary, music, and math braille) and braille proofreading are offered.
Voice auditions and informal training are given to volunteer tape narrators affiliated with local recording groups. A directory of volunteer groups that produce
books for libraries and individuals is published biennially. Volunteers may call on NLS staff for their expertise in braille transcription and recording techniques.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The NLS research program is directed toward improving the quality of reading materials and related equipment, controlling program costs, and reducing the time required to deliver services to users. Significant research activities include development of a national standard for a digital talking book player and the creation of an economic model for use in comparing alternative talking book delivery systems.

OBJECTIVES

In fiscal 2001, the major NLS objectives related to funding requests for providing service to a projected readership of over 761,000 blind and
physically handicapped patrons and 138 network libraries are: (1) production and repair of playback equipment and accessories adapted to the needs of
blind and physically handicapped individuals for their use in the Library of Congress talking book program; (2) support for development of audit recommended
control systems; and (3) pursuit of a state-of-the-art, user friendly, audio delivery system.

FUNDING

The Library is requesting a total of $48,983,000 to support this program in fiscal 2001. This includes $367,389 in mandatory salary costs and $813,950 in price level increases.

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(2) Annualization of January 2000 pay raise

$ 89,137

Personnel benefits

$ 28,490