Expanding Access to Audiobooks

Abstract

Library organizations and library schools always talk about open access to information. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (known as NLS) offers audiobook services for those suffering from blindness, visual impairments and physical disabilities that make it hard to hold a print book. Currently, those whose difficulty with print books is due to intellectual disabilities or illiteracy due to lack of proper education are not qualified for NLS audiobook services. While there a few reasons why that is so, I will explain why that should change. Much of the information is based on what I have learned from this summer's research project on library resources and services for the blind and visually impaired.