Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped was recently published by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) of the American Library Association (ALA).
The new standards give libraries around the country a set of goals for high-quality provision of recorded and braille reading materials to patrons. Libraries can also use the document as a basis for long-range planning and improvements in services. At the same time, the document allows the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress (NLS) to evaluate network library activities.
The standards document lists 13 principles of service, followed by specific standards for meeting these goals in 12 areas, such as resource development and management, public education, volunteers and policies and procedures. The text includes guidelines for determining appropriate staffing levels and for minimum space requirements.
The revision was underwritten by NLS, at the request of ASCLA, to address recent changes in library service resulting from the impact and effects of technology and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A committee directed by Donna Dziedzic, ALA senior program director and former NLS network librarian, produced the draft document, working with an advisory committee that brought together representatives of the blind and physically handicapped community and librarians from different regions of the country.
The publication is available from the ALA Order Department at 155 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606; telephone (800) 545- 2433.
