NLS: That All May Read

About the Course

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress (NLS) course in mathematics (Nemeth code) braille proofreading qualifies successful applicants to proofread mathematics and science materials in braille. Applicants receive a Library of Congress certificate in mathematics braille transcribing upon successful completion of the course. Those already certified in mathematics transcribing may test to be certified without enrolling in the course.

Eligibility requirements

1. United States citizenship or residency
2. High school diploma or equivalent
3. One of the following:
   1. At least six months experience as a literary braille proofreader to enroll in the Nemeth proofreading course
   2. Library of Congress certificate in mathematics braille transcription with at least two years experience following certification as a math transcriber to take the Nemeth proofreading test

Equipment required

1. A 40-cell desk slate, a braillewriter, or a computer using a six-key direct input and/or translation software program. See enclosed materials for information about computer programs. Some sources of slates and braille writers include
   Howe Press
   Watertown, MA 02472
   www.perkinsbrailler.org
   American Printing House for the Blind
   1839 Frankfort Avenue
   Louisville, KY 40206
   www.aph.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

How the course works

Literary proofreaders wishing to take the Nemeth proofreading course will receive instructional materials directly from NLS. There are three ways to receive instruction.

Local Classes

In some areas, local braille transcribing groups include mathematics braille code transcribers who have been certified by the Library of Congress. Classes taught by certified transcribers are one way to receive instruction.

Local Instructors

In cases where there are not enough students to form a class, a transcriber certified for mathematics braille may be able to instruct a single student.

Correspondence

Students unable to find a local class or instructor may take the course by correspondence with the Library of Congress.

• Your lessons will be evaluated by either a local instructor or the Library of Congress, depending upon how you receive instruction.
• If telephone consultation is needed, students may call NLS . Use the toll-free number below and ask for the Braille Development Section.
• Exercises must be submitted in hard-copy, single-sided braille. Thermoform copies are not acceptable.
• A line length of 40 cells is to be used, regardless of method of production.
• Students are encouraged to submit their exercises on a regular basis (at least monthly) and may submit only one lesson at a time.

Certification Test

Proofreaders who have completed the course and experienced mathematics-certified transcribers may request the mathematics proofreading test. Candidates may take the course locally, but the request for the certification test must include a letter from their Library of Congress-certified mathematics braille instructor attesting that the student has successfully completed the course. Candidates scoring 80 points or above will receive a Library of Congress certificate in transcribing.

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.

For more information

Contact the Braille Development Section:

Toll free: 800-424-8567
Fax:(202) 707-0712
E-mail: braille@loc.gov

Printable copy of information about this course.