NLS: That All May Read

To application form below   Printable copy of the course overview.

Course Overview

The Library of Congress offers a course in literary braille proofreading to prepare blind persons for career opportunities. Upon completion of the course, a blind student receives a Library of Congress certificate of competency. The Library of Congress does not guarantee employment to certified proofreaders, but proofreaders may seek employment with local transcribing organizations. The Library will provide a list of such organizations upon request.

Sighted transcribers who are interested in learning to proofread may enroll in the course. Upon successful completion of the course, they receive a letter of competency rather than a certificate.

The course is taught by correspondence. It is taught entirely in braille and includes some materials in interpoint (two-sided) braille. There is no tuition charge for this course. In addition, braille textbooks are provided free by the Library of Congress.

Eligibility requirements:

1. United States citizenship or residency
2. High school diploma or equivalent
3. Broad reading experience with braille books and materials
4. Ability to read and write braille, using correct character formation and literary braille format, as demonstrated in the application letter
5. Ability to type 25 words per minute without error

Sighted applicants must also be Library of Congress-certified in literary braille transcription for at least six months.

Equipment needed:

1. A braillewriter or a computer with a direct input software (see enclosed list) program (translation software may NOT be used) and/or a 40-cell desk slate. A braillewriter can be used for all of the course except for correcting copy, when the desk slate is needed. The 40-cell desk slate is sold by
   Howe Press
   175 North Beacon Street
   Watertown, MA 02472
   www.perkinsbrailler.org
2. Braille paper, size 11 by 11-1/2 inches. Some sources are
   American Printing House for the Blind
   1839 Frankfort Avenue
   Louisville, KY 40206
   www.aph.org
   National Center for the Blind
   1800 Johnson Street
   Baltimore, MD 21230
   www.nfb.org
   Howe Press
   Watertown, MA 02472
   www.perkinsbrailler.org
   Star Continuous Cards
   32 Bacton Hill Road
   Frazer, PA 19355-1026
   www.Braillepaper.com
3. A reliable dictionary. The Library recommends using a collegiate edition of any reputable dictionary that is less than ten years old. Examples would include: Webster's New World Dictionary or Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. One online dictionary is at www.dictionary.com.

How the course works:

Applicants that do not have a Library of Congress certificate in literary braille transcription, will use the Instruction Manual to learn and/or review the official code for English braille.

After completing the transcribing manual, students will receive a copy of Instructions in Braille Proofreading. This book consists of lessons that teach how to detect and correct errors, to prepare constructive reports to transcribers, and to use other proofreading techniques. During this part of the course, both print and braille report submissions are required.

Lessons must be submitted in hard-copy braille. Thermoform copies are not acceptable. Hyphenation must be employed where appropriate. Computer programs using a literary braille translator may not be used in preparing the lessons for this course.

Students who must study both the Instruction Manual for Braille Transcribing, Fourth Edition, and the Instructions in Braille Proofreading usually require nine to twelve months to complete the proofreading course. Students who are already Library of Congress-certified in literary braille transcribing can usually complete the course in about three to four months.

How to enroll

Applicants can enroll in the course in two ways.

1. Electronically submit this application form
   • Type the information into the form
   • Use the print form button at the end to print a copy to keep for personal records
   • Use the submit button at the end to send the information to NLS
2. Mail a completed copy of this application form
   • Type the requested information into the form
   • Use the print form button at the end to print two copies; retain one copy for personal records
   • Mail one copy to:
     Braille Development Section
     National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
     Library of Congress
     Washington, DC 20542

Whether intending to take the course with a local teacher or through correspondence with the Library of Congress, prospective students must submit this application form before the course begins. Prospective students must also write a braille letter describing their qualifications and mail it to the address above. The application can be submitted on line, but the letter must be received before the student is considered registered.

For more information

Contact John Wilkinson, NLS Literary Braille Advisor. Letter mail to NLS is subject to rigorous screening that often delays delivery. We recommend that you use either phone or FAX to communicate with the Literary Braille Advisor.

• Direct dial telephone: (202) 707-9308
• Toll-free telephone: 800-424-8567
• Fax number: (202) 707-0712

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