Friends of Libraries for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals of North America Inc. has announced the publication of the first volume of its International Yearbook of Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals (ISBN 3-598-23100-8). The Yearbook, published by K.G. Saur Verlag, Munich, represents a long-term collaboration among librarians, information service providers and editorial consultants from around the world. The purpose of the publication is to promote a continuing international dialogue among members of this rapidly changing field.
The Friends of Libraries for the Blind was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in 1992 to support and promote the programs of libraries for blind and physically handicapped individuals throughout North America and to support the activities of local Friends groups in the United States.
The concept of the Friends group was developed during informal talks among Kenneth Jernigan, executive director of the National Federation of the Blind; Euclid Herie, president and CEO of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind; and Frank Kurt Cylke, director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Library of Congress. Mr. Jernigan and Mr. Herie are among the executive officers of the Friends group.
The Yearbook's contents are divided into sections covering perspectives on the field, service, architectural achievements, braille technology, world activities and significant recent bibliography. Forty contributing scholars and editorial consultants represent an international community, responding cooperatively from all five continents.
Among the Yearbook's contributors are Thomas J. Martin, acting head, Materials Development Division; and John Cookson, head, Engineering Section, both of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Mr. Martin's article, "Recent Construction and Renovation Efforts: A World Review," surveys architectural accomplishments responsive to the needs of blind and disabled readers. Mr. Cookson's "An Audio Technology Assessment and Research Program" examines current conditions and projects future developments in audio technology applied to talking-book production at the National Library Service.
The Yearbook is available from K.G. Saur Verlag, Ortlerstrasse 8, D-81373 M�nchen; fax 089/76902350. The hardbound volume is priced at DM 80.00, approximately $48.40. The Yearbook will be available for purchase on cassette and in braille, and will be available in those formats on loan through the network of libraries serving blind and physically handicapped individuals in the United States.