News October-December 1996, Vol. 27, No. 4 ISSN 1046-1663 National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped The Library of Congress Copyright law amended Public Law 104-197 104th Congress, H.R. 3754 September 16, 1996 An Act Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997, and for other purposes. _Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,..._ TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS SEC. 316. Limitation on Exclusive Copyrights for Literary Works in Specialized Format for the Blind and Disabled-- (a) IN GENERAL-- Chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 120 the following new section: `SEC. 121. Limitations on exclusive rights: reproduction for blind or other people with disabilities `(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 710, it is not an infringement of copyright for an authorized entity to reproduce or to distribute copies or phonorecords of a previously published, nondramatic literary work if such copies or phonorecords are reproduced or distributed in specialized formats exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities. `(b) (1) Copies or phonorecords to which this section applies shall-- `(A) not be reproduced or distributed in a format other than a specialized format exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities; `(B) bear a notice that any further reproduction or distribution in a format other than a specialized format is an infringement; and `(C) include a copyright notice identifying the copyright owner and the date of the original publication. `(2) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to standardized, secure, or norm-referenced tests and related testing material, or to computer programs, except the portions thereof that are in conventional human language (including descriptions of pictorial works) and displayed to users in the ordinary course of using the computer programs. `(c) For purposes of this section, the term-- `(1) `authorized entity' means a nonprofit organization or a governmental agency that has a primary mission to provide specialized services relating to training, education, or adaptive reading or information access needs of blind or other persons with disabilities; `(2) `blind or other persons with disabilities' means individuals who are eligible or who may qualify in accordance with the Act entitled `An Act to provide books for the adult blind', approved March 3, 1931 (2 U.S.C. 135a; 46 Stat. 1487) to receive books and other publications produced in specialized formats; and `(3) `specialized formats' means braille, audio, or digital text which is exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities.'. (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT-- The table of sections for chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to section 120 the following: `121. Limitations on exclusive rights: reproduction for blind or other people with disabilities.'. Amendment covers special-format works for blind and disabled readers On September 16 President Clinton signed into law an amendment to the _United States Code_ that allows nonprofit agencies, including government services, to produce special-format books and magazines without first obtaining permission from the copyright holder. This measure will enable NLS to initiate production of braille and recorded books sooner and therefore get books to readers more quickly. Public Law 104-197 covers nondramatic literary works reproduced in braille and/or recorded formats specifically for the use of blind and visually impaired individuals and persons with physical disabilities. "This is the most significant action for improvement of library services to blind and physically handicapped individuals since the Pratt-Smoot Act established the Library of Congress program more than sixty-five years ago," said NLS director Frank Kurt Cylke. Previously, copyright permission usually had to be requested individually for each book selected for production, which often resulted in delay in getting material to readers. Books and magazines will continue to carry a copyright notice and must be reproduced in specialized formats exclusively for use by blind and physically handicapped readers. Legislative background The bipartisan measure, sponsored by Senator John H. Chafee (R-Rhode Island), was presented as an amendment to the legislative branch appropriation for fiscal year 1997. Other sponsors included Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico), Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), Wendell H. Ford (D-Kentucky), Sheila Frahm (R-Kansas), Bill Frist (R-Tennessee), Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vermont), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Larry Pressler - (R-South Dakota), and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Senator Chafee's statement as printed in the _Congressional Record_ of September 3, 1996, says "This amendment, which makes a very small change in the current copyright law, will make an enormous difference to our nation's blind children and adults. It has the approval of the authorizing committees in both Chambers, as well as the support of the National Federation of the Blind, the American Foundation for the Blind, the American Printing House for the Blind, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, the American Council of the Blind, the Association of American Publishers, and the U.S. Office of Copyright [see statement, below].... My amendment seeks to end the unintended censorship of blind individuals' access to current information." Benefits to readers The most obvious advantage from this amendment will be increased speed of placing books in production. The most common method of obtaining copyright permission has been the mailing of a multipart form to the publisher, who in most cases granted permission on behalf of the copyright holder. Says Ruth Foss, head of the NLS Collection Development Section, "Even when forms are returned fairly promptly, it takes time both here and at the publisher's just to handle the paperwork and keep the records." In some cases the form has to be forwarded to an agent of the original owner, causing additional delays. "We've had books on the shelves for many months waiting for copyright clearance," says Foss. There has been some alleviation of the problem from publishers who granted blanket permission for special-format reproduction. Another method has been the use of a checkoff box to grant blanket permission on the official copyright registration form that copyright holders or their agents file with the Copyright Office. While helpful, neither of these actions made a significant change in the overall situation. A major benefit of the new law will be the ability to produce anthologies containing stories and articles--by a variety of authors--that have separate copyrights. The sheer magnitude of obtaining multiple permissions has prevented the production of most books of this type. "And this kind of book is important to our readership," says Foss. "The advantage to students is obvious, and many of our elderly readers appreciate short items that can be read in a single session." The legislation also frees network libraries and other not-for-profit or governmental agencies to produce special-format books and magazines without first obtaining copyright clearance. In the past, NLS has most often obtained clearance for network material--a process that will no longer be necessary. The president's message I am especially pleased to sign into law a provision that will allow blind and visually impaired persons to get earlier access to books and other reading matter. As a result of an agreement between the publishing industry and advocates for people with disabilities, books can now be converted into alternative formats such as braille as soon as they appear in print. Prior to this change, the Library of Congress and other organizations that sought to provide these materials had to obtain permission from copyright holders on a case-by-case basis, leading to lengthy delays in access to all types of reading material. This law will help us reach our goal of full inclusion of people with disabilities. --William J. Clinton Statement by Senator Chafee (From the _Congressional Record_ of July 29, 1996. Measure laid before the Senate.) _LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997_ BOOKS FOR THE BLIND (After presentation of the amendment and definitions) In 1931, the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped was established by an act of Congress. Since then, funding for this immensely valuable program has been included in the legislative branch bill, which, of course, funds the Library of Congress. The National Library Service and a handful of nonprofit organizations reproduce in specialized formats published material that is readily available to sighted individuals in libraries, bookstores, newsstands, and countless other locations. Specialized formats refers to braille, sound recordings-- either on cassette or phonorecord--and new digital formats that can be used for special software. To make certain that recorded books and magazines are only used by those for whom they are - intended, they are recorded at a speed that simply does not work on standard tape players. The National Library Service provides special tape players and record players to eligible individuals. This equipment is not generally available to the public. To be eligible to receive this special equipment, an applicant must be certified by a qualified professional such as a doctor, nurse, or social worker that he or she is unable to use standard print. The National Library Service selects the books to reproduce in these specialized formats. Frequently, the National Library Service issues request after request only to wait months for a response from the publisher. These delays are not because the publishers have a desire to withhold permission; it is simply a low priority. They just set it aside. There are still seventeen books from the 1995 bestseller list for which permission is still pending. For our Nation's more than 54,000 blind elementary and secondary school students, this is a great problem. The American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, KY, is the primary producer of braille textbooks. It is a challenge to reproduce today's highly visible textbooks in braille format. Maps, charts, graphs, and illustrations that take up one page in a standard textbook may require multiple pages of braille or tactile graphics to convey the same information. All in all, it can take a full year to produce a braille textbook. Added time consumed by trying to get permission from publishers makes it certain that the blind student is not in sync with his classmates. The amendment Senator Frahm and others and I are introducing seeks to end the unintended censorship of blind students' access to current information.... This is a very simple amendment. This says groups that produce specialized formats for the blind no longer are required to obtain copyright permission from the copyright holder before beginning production. It is based on an agreement that was reached last January between the Association of American Publishers and the National Federation of the Blind. It includes a very narrow definition of those who are eligible to undertake such production and applies the definition for eligibility used by the National Library Service to those who receive reproductions. So, Mr. President, as has been said by a member of the National Federation of the Blind, "It should be obvious that the delays here present a significant barrier which must be overcome if blind people are to be informed and literate. It is not too much to say that living successfully in our modern society often depends upon being able to communicate ideas and facts both orally and in writing." I conclude by a statement from Marybeth Peters, who is the Register of Copyrights at the Library of Congress. In testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee she said, "Blind and physically handicapped readers have a legitimate need for prompt and timely access as soon as possible after works become available to the general reading public. Textbook materials in particular are commonly out of date within 1 to 2 years, superseded by new editions." Passage of this amendment will permit the speedy access to information that blind people need. (photo caption: Senator John H. Chafee (R-Rhode Island) sponsored the bipartisan measure to grant automatic copyright permission.) (Highlights of legislative history Senate actions Jul. 11 Bill received from House, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Appropriations Jul. 19 Reported to Senate with amendments, placed on calendar Jul. 29 Measure laid before Senate with amendments Jul. 30 Amendment agreed to in Senate by voice vote House-Senate conference actions Aug. 1 House agreed to conference report by yeas and nays, 397-22 Sep. 3 Senate agreed to conference report by unanimous consent Executive actions Sep. 3 Cleared for White House Sep. 5 Presented to president Sep. 16 Signed by president Became Public Law 104-197) ### New NLS materials ready for use or testing NLS has recently initiated field-testing of a new braille book container and has released an equipment modification, bar-code labeling for machines and cartons. Both materials have been under development for several years. New braille-book mailing cartons Several years of design modification and experimentation have given way to field testing, as the Massachusetts and Oregon regional libraries begin sending braille books to patrons in newly designed containers. "We've had to keep modifying the containers to increase the level of protection," says Michael Moodie, NLS research and development officer. "Maybe that's good, though," he adds, "because this way we know that we really need everything we put into it." (For previous history, see _News,_ January-March 1992, p. 2; and _Update,_ April-June 1994, pp. 1 and 2.) The latest model of the containers is considerably more durable than previous designs and is rigid rather than soft. Moodie also points to the difficulty of contriving a container big enough to accommodate the largest braille book and small enough to fit into the smallest corner mailbox. The current model does, "just barely," Moodie says. The carton is made of reinforced vinyl over rigid plastic. It has sturdy Velcro closures on two sides. When these are open, the carton collapses to lie flat for storage. The carton is black and has a carrying handle and a clear pocket for the address card. The testing libraries will use the two hundred test-run cartons for three to four months and will compile information on their performance. "We want to know how the cartons work out and how the patrons and librarians like them," Moodie says. If the cartons are acceptable, the design will be adopted for use in future production. If not, feedback from the testing libraries and patrons will be used to further refine the design. Bar-code labeling for equipment inventory control Perhaps the most frequently recommended improvement to the handling of NLS machines--bar-code labeling of machines--was initiated this summer with the bar-code labeling of new C-1 cassette machines and their cartons. The labels are expected to make it easier for NLS to keep track of where each machine is and of its repair history. The label system is similar to one that has been used successfully by the State Services for the Blind in St. Paul, Minnesota, for several years. The labels are durable and have high-quality adhesive and a protective coating. The bar-code label shows the machine's unique identifier in large print over the bar code. The unique identifier consists of two fields separated by a dash, for example "C1-9999999." The first field contains the model designator--for example, "C1"-- and the second field contains the serial number. The model designator may contain up to four alphanumeric characters, none of which can be a dash. The serial number contains a maximum of seven numeric characters. A check digit is embedded in the bar code at the end of the serial number field. It is not printed. The label is placed on the front of the equipment. The unique identifier is also embossed on the metal label that contains the Underwriter's Laboratory information and contract number. This metal label is placed on the bottom of the equipment. NLS quality checks for new C-1s include verification that the carton labels (both individual cartons and overpacks) correspond to the bar-code and metal labels on the enclosed C-1s. Of course, once cartons have been opened, there is no assurance that carton labels accurately reflect contents. (photo caption: Michael Moodie, NLS research and development officer, inserts a braille book into a new carton. In the foreground is a carton folded flat for storage. Photo by Jim Higgins.) ### Collection access highlights advisory group meeting At the annual meeting of the National Advisory Group on Collection Building Activities, discussion centered around ways for patrons and librarians to access the NLS collection. This concern reflects a growing interest in information about books currently available, rather than areas of the collection that needed to be developed as in previous years. Topics considered included fuller use of interlibrary loan, listing locally produced books in the _Union Catalog_, providing network libraries with more information about narrators, and sharing information developed at network libraries. Some of the recommendations were in the form of commendations for network libraries or individuals and to NLS "for being forward-thinking regarding the use of computers and other high-technology methods to improve service." Recommendations for specific practices will be considered for implementation by NLS in terms of overall usefulness, cost, and production procedures. These include placing glossaries more prominently in recorded books, adding notations of the number of cassettes to the one-line annotations in the braille edition of _Braille Book Review,_ identifying braille magazines with a title placed vertically along the spine, and adding books mentioned in the body of annotations (such as prequels or sequels) to the order forms for _Talking Book Topics_ and _Braille Book Review._ The single recommendation concerning books for the collection was for more biographies of current sports figures for younger readers. Otherwise, the Collection Development Section was commended for the addition of high interest/low vocabulary titles and for "its continuing efforts to locate and add more `clean' and inspirational books to the collection." (photo caption: The National Advisory Group includes (left to right) Pat Meek, Nancy Novotny, Margaret Blomberg, Sandy Halverson, Frank Woods, Pat Klemans, and Paul Edwards. Photo by Jim Higgins.) (National Advisory Group on Collection Building Activities Consumer organization representatives: American Council of the Blind, Paul Edwards; Blinded Veterans Association, Art Mathews; National Federation of the Blind, Sandra Halverson Reader-at-large representatives: Midlands: Jana Schroeder, Dayton, Ohio; North: Linda Kirk, Port Jefferson, New York; South: David Faucheux, Lafayette, Louisiana; West: Margaret Blomberg, Aberdeen, Washington Library representatives: Midlands: Pat Klemans, Wayne, Michigan; North: S. Francis Woods, Montpelier, Vermont; South: Nancy Novotny, Austin, Texas; West: Pat Meek, Anchorage, Alaska Children's and young adult advisor: Cassie Hamm, Albany, New York) ### NLS exhibit schedule--1996-1997 NLS will exhibit at thirty-one conferences in fiscal year 1997 as part of its public outreach effort. Exhibits are operated by NLS staff and local network affiliates. Conferences on the 1996- 1997 schedule are listed below in order of their occurrence. Each entry includes organization name, place, and date. American Academy of Ophthalmology Chicago, Illinois October 27-31, 1996 American Association of Homes for the Aging Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 28-30, 1996 National Association of Social Workers Cleveland, Ohio November 13-16, 1996 National Association for Music Therapy Nashville, Tennessee November 16-19, 1996 Gerontological Society of America Washington, D.C. November 17-21, 1996 U.S. Geological Survey Reston, Virginia November 20-21, 1996 Music Library Association New Orleans, Louisiana January 29-February 1, 1997 American Library Association Midwinter Conference Washington, D.C. February 14-19, 1997 Vision Expo New York, New York March 7-9, 1997 National Council on the Aging Chicago, Illinois March 14-18, 1997 National Student Nurses Association Phoenix, Arizona April 9-12, 1997 Council for Exceptional Children Salt Lake City, Utah April 9-13, 1997 American Occupational Therapy Association Orlando, Florida April 11-15, 1997 National Association of Activity Professionals Buffalo, New York April 16-19, 1997 National Braille Association Austin, Texas April 24-26, 1997 Abilities Expo East Edison, New Jersey April 25-27, 1997 International Reading Association Atlanta, Georgia May 4-8, 1997 Childlife Council Washington, D.C. May 22-24, 1997 Association for the Care of Children's Health Washington, D.C. May 25-28, 1997 President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Washington, D.C. June 3-6, 1997 American Optometric Association St. Louis, Missouri June 13-17, 1997 RESNA Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania June 20-25, 1997 American Library Association San Francisco, California June 28-July 1, 1997 National Federation of the Blind New Orleans, Louisiana June 29-July 7, 1997 American Council of the Blind Houston, Texas July 1-7, 1997 Association on Higher Education and Disability Boston, Massachusetts July 16-19, 1997 American Federation of Teachers Washington, D.C. July 26-29, 1997 Abilities Expo Midwest Chicago, Illinois August 1-3, 1997 Blinded Veterans Association Reno, Nevada August 19-23, 1997 American Association of Diabetes Educators Denver, Colorado August 20-21, 1997 American Legion National Convention Orlando, Florida August 29-September 4, 1997 ### Romance novels flourish at Illinois regional "My mother/grandmother/oldest living female relative had a bunch of those in her basement." So goes the comment of many who are unaware of the evolution of romantic fiction within recent years. The Illinois regional library recently sponsored a series of talks, "Rendezvous with Romance," to bring patrons up to date on the largest-selling genre and fastest-growing market in the publishing industry. Talking-book patrons within the Chicago metropolitan area were notified of the events via a special mailing. To accompany the thematic single-rose graphic, the nine-thousand-piece mailing was sprayed with "peach mist," an aromatic fragrance that was planned to evoke a romantic frame of reference for the recipients. The events featured Illinois romance writers Kit Garland, Margaret Watson, and Linda Wiatr, who have among them produced around fifteen books, some published under pseudonyms and many requiring extensive historical research. They spoke about the romance genre, shared their writing experiences, and read from their most recent novels. Patrons learned that the heroines of today's romantic novels rarely swoon, sigh, or stamp their tiny feet. They are often burdened with the same anxieties, concerns, and needs as their readers. The difference is that they usually possess the willingness to charge off into the face of danger when others-- including the reader--might have hesitated. And, of course, true love _always_ prevails. Books by each of these local authors have been added to the Cassettes in Illinois (CIL) collection. The NLS bibliography _Romance and Love Stories_ was made available to guests, as well as an annotated braille and print list of our new CIL romance titles. The library also printed and brailled a bibliography of _Author's Tools_ that lists some of the newer NLS titles that advise readers on aspects of the writing process, from getting ideas to negotiating that first contract. After the authors' presentations and refreshments, a patron forum was held about the talking-book program. Patrons expressed their satisfactions, asked thoughtful questions, and provided information. Some patrons learned about the radio news service and others shared technical experience such as how to supplement the volume of the C-1 cassette machine by using stereo speakers. "Rendezvous with Romance" became an opportunity to meet people served, to share information that will help improve service, and to express mutual appreciation. (Material for this article was provided by Karen-Marie Allen, programs/outreach librarian at the Chicago regional library.) (photo caption: Chicago area patrons enjoyed a "Rendezvous with Romance" when romance authors (from left) Kit Garland, Linda Wiatr, and Margaret Watson discussed their writings.) ### New York regionals celebrate one hundred years The Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in New York City and the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library in Albany have more in common than being from the same state and being original members of the NLS network. Each regional library celebrated one hundred years of service this year, although their beginnings were different. New York City's (NYC) Andrew Heiskell Library, which was established in 1895 as the New York Free Circulating Library for the Blind, observed its centennial with a birthday party in May. The party was postponed to 1996 to avoid drawing attention away from the one-hundredth-year celebration of its parent organization, the New York Public Library, which it joined in 1903. Attended by more than one hundred people, festivities overflowed the main auditorium. Entertainment included a musical performance by Lynette Tatum and Maria Rios, accompanied by William Beckman, and "an exhibition of the patrons' one hundred all-time favorite recorded and braille titles." Guests included Thomas J. Alrutz, associate director for Central Library Services; Mark Leeds, director of the NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities; Edwin S. Holmgren, senior vice president and director of the Branch Libraries, The New York Public Libraries; and NLS staffer Steve Prine, head, Network Services Section. The highlight of the program was a presentation, "Books Talking: A Centennial Sequence," by talking-book narrators from the Library's audio book studio. The presenters created a script using one or two lines from one hundred popular books in the collection, including the Bible, _A Tale of Two Cities_ by Charles Dickens, _Rebecca_ by Daphne du Maurier, and _Centennial_ by James Michener. The program closed with a birthday cake ceremony and a reception. The release of two publications, _Favorite 100 Books_ and _Service to Blind and Print-Impaired Readers: Celebrating 100 Years,_ in large-print, braille, and cassette formats, also marked the occasion. The Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) in Albany began providing embossed books to patrons in 1896 as part of the New York State Library. It also marked its anniversary with a birthday bash that was attended by more than three hundred people, many of whom were patrons, volunteers, and former staff. Wells B. Kormann, chief of NLS's Materials Development Division; Richard Mills, state education commissioner; and Carole F. Huxley, deputy commissioner for cultural education, gave laudatory comments. Linda Hunt, a patron, and Jane Somers, regional librarian, also gave remarks. The staff also prepared several special exhibits highlighting TBBL's history. "The Sounds of a Century" featured cassette books representing one hundred years of "good reading" from the library's collection. This exhibit included eleven cassette players and headphones for the guests' listening pleasure. Other exhibits featured fifty years of playback equipment, library memorabilia, photographs of volunteers, and a display of embossed books, including early braille alternatives New York Point and Moon type. Participants enjoyed a bountiful buffet and musical entertainment. In addition, there were videos, stories, books, and birthday-card making--instructed by museum curator Paul Weinman--for the children. (photo caption: Audio book narrators from the NYC regional library present readings. Left to right: Myron Cohon, Nancy Campbell, Susan Pari, and Alan Bechey.) (photo caption: Patron Adam Graham (right) and his family enjoy the birthday celebration for the Talking Book and Braille Library in Albany.) ### Network exchange Louisiana (Baton Rouge). Fifteen young readers were winners in the statewide summer reading program "Go for the Gold...Read!" The program was launched in May and was open to all Louisiana children. Visually impaired children participated through the regional library, which encouraged participants to read at least five books during the summer. The grand prize winner, Angela Lucek, seven, of Baton Rouge, read a total of sixty-three books from the required reading list. She received a free weekend camping trip at a Louisiana state park. Other prizes were savings bonds, a descriptive video, t-shirts, and book bags. The three top prize winners received their awards from Lt. Governor Kathleen Blanco at a ceremony on September 26. (photo caption: Louisiana's lieutenant governor, Kathleen Blanco, presents a prize to a young patron.) California (Los Angeles). Festivities for the Braille Institute Library children's summer reading program began on July 8 at Beckford School in Northridge with a performance of _Victory,_ a play featuring an eagle who loses his sight. The performance, presented by the Braille Institute Players, was repeated at the Francis Blend School in Los Angeles and at the Orange County Center. Grab bags containing braille coloring books, coupons, stickers, and prizes were mailed to all participants. Close to three hundred blind and physically disabled children participated in this year's program. Book reports were mailed or phoned in. The closing event was held at the Braille Institute on August 21. Wildlife on Wheels (WOW) entertained the children with a storyteller and live animals, featuring a desert tortoise, a bullfrog, and a dove. The _Los Angeles Times,_ Channel 9 KCAL news, and KNX radio were all present. KNX and KCAL featured the story in afternoon spots. The _LA Times_ metro section had a prominent photo of one of the young readers up close with the giant bullfrog. (This article was provided by Sharon Lussier, network services assistant manager at the Braille Institute Library.) (photo caption: Jessica Garcia from Wildlife on Wheels shows the bullfrog to Braille Institute Library's summer reading program participants.) North Carolina (Raleigh). The fall issue of _Volunteller,_ the regional library's volunteer newsletter, reports that Hurricane Fran (September 5) caused considerable damage in the area but none to the library, "although floodwaters swirled to a depth of thirty inches near the building." However, the power was off for about forty-eight hours, the library was closed for several days, and no books were sent for over a week. The backup batteries protected the computer system, but the staff had to play catch-up for some time. This was the worst storm for Raleigh since Hazel, in the 1950s. Most hurricanes that hit North Carolina come ashore at the Outer Banks along the coast but then generally veer off north and do not move inland with such force. Washington (Seattle). The Washington regional library received welcome help from the Boeing Defense and Space Group in their July move to temporary quarters. "In 1983 Boeing assisted in moving the library to its current quarters, so we went back and asked for their help again," says Jan Ames, coordinator for special services for the Seattle Public Library. The library has moved into temporary quarters so that its building can be renovated. The Boeing Defense and Space Group planned and coordinated the relocation project, with support from the Boeing Employees Good Neighbor Fund and Information and Support Services. In addition to expertise, Boeing provided five trucks, three forklifts, two jitneys, 7,500 cardboard boxes, supplies, and seventy-five volunteers during the two-day weekend move. Washington Talking Book and Braille Library staff and sixty regular volunteers also assisted in getting ready and carrying out the move. "It was great," Ames says. "We had no money for the move-- and working with the Boeing people was fun!" Although the library is operating from leased space until the renovation is completed, probably in the summer of 1997, it continues to use its permanent mailing address and telephone number. The first floor of the Lenora Street building is being renovated for the Talking Book and Braille Library, while the second floor is being prepared for Seattle Public Library's bookmobile and homebound services. ### French-language magazine offered in pilot program NLS and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) have agreed to undertake a pilot project to circulate the French-language edition of _The Reader's Digest (S‚lections du Reader's Digest)_ to interested NLS patrons. The _S‚lections du Reader's Digest_ is one of two French-language magazines produced by CNIB on cassette. The project, beginning in January 1997, is part of the ongoing cooperation between NLS and CNIB to expand and share library resources for blind persons in both Canada and the United States. The initial offering will be limited to one hundred patron subscriptions. With the availability of _S‚lections du Reader's Digest_, NLS patrons will have access to two French-language recorded magazines. The other French-language magazine currently available to NLS patrons is _Journal Fran‡ais d'Am‚rique_, which is produced in flexible-disc format by NLS. NLS hopes that a positive benefit analysis of this project will lead to further cooperation with CNIB in providing more French-language materials to NLS patrons. ### The Program The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress publishes books and magazines in braille and in recorded form on discs and cassettes for readers who cannot hold, handle, or see well enough to read conventional print because of a temporary or permanent visual or physical handicap. Through a national network of state and local libraries, the materials are loaned free to eligible readers in the United States and to U.S. citizens living abroad. Materials are sent to readers and returned by postage-free mail. Books and Magazines Readers may borrow all types of popular-interest books including bestsellers, classics, mysteries, westerns, poetry, history, biographies, religious literature, children's books, and foreign-language materials. Readers may also subscribe to more than seventy popular magazines in braille and recorded formats. Special Equipment Special equipment needed to play the discs and cassettes, which are recorded at slower than conventional speeds, is loaned indefinitely to readers. An amplifier with headphone is available for blind and physically handicapped readers who are also certified as hearing impaired. Other devices are provided to aid readers with mobility impairments in using playback machines. Eligibility You are eligible for the Library of Congress program if: --- You are legally blind--your vision in the better eye is 20/200 or less with correcting glasses, or your widest diameter of visual field is no greater than 20 degrees; --- You cannot see well enough or focus long enough to read standard print, although you wear glasses to correct your vision; --- You are unable to handle print books or turn pages because of a physical handicap; or --- You are certified by a medical doctor as having a reading disability, due to an organic dysfunction, which is of sufficient severity to prevent reading in a normal manner. How to Apply You may request an application by writing NLS or calling toll-free 1-800-424-9100, and your name will be referred to your cooperating library. _News_ is published quarterly by: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Library of Congress Washington, DC 20542 All correspondence should be addressed to the attention of Publications and Media Section. Editor: Vicki Fitzpatrick Writers: Jane Caulton, Robert Fistick, Yvonne French, James Herndon, Ruth Nieland, and George Thuronyi ### *** 12/20/96 (gft) *** Comments to: lcmarvel@loc.gov