The Library of Congress: Evaluation of the NLS/BPH Braille and Audio Magazine Program. Final Project Report.
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| Title: | The Library of Congress: Evaluation of the NLS/BPH Braille and Audio Magazine Program. Final Project Report. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bosma and Associates International, Seattle, WA. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 94 |
| Publication Date: | 1996 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Library of Congress, Washington, DC. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. |
| Document Type: | Reports - Evaluative Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: | Access to Information, Accessibility (for Disabled), Audiotape Recordings, Blindness, Braille, Library Material Selection, Library Materials, Library Services, Mass Media, Outreach Programs, Participant Satisfaction, Periodicals, Physical Disabilities, Program Evaluation, Users (Information) |
| Abstract: | This final report presents an independent formative and summative evaluation of the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH) braille and audio magazine program. In this program, 77 magazines are distributed directly to subscribers, with 43 magazines available on audio flexible discs and 34 magazines available in braille. A total of over 2.7 million magazine copies are mailed each year. Study findings include: patrons collectively expressed the most interest in receiving a magazine in the areas of news/current events, mystery and detective fiction, health and nutrition, history, and popular culture; both Braille and audio users expressed satisfaction with the service; there was consistency between the demographic data provided by NLS/BPH and the data collected by the evaluation process; patrons who do not subscribe are either unaware of the program or do not like the flexible disc audio format; and there is widespread support for the program among librarians and patrons throughout the country. Policy recommendations addressed the following areas: magazine selection; processing of magazines published in multiple editions; and regular evaluation of the magazine program. Appendices include patron survey instruments and a librarian survey instrument. (DB) |
| Entry Date: | 1997 |
| Accession Number: | ED403711 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This final report presents an independent formative and summative evaluation of the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS/BPH) braille and audio magazine program. In this program, 77 magazines are distributed directly to subscribers, with 43 magazines available on audio flexible discs and 34 magazines available in braille. A total of over 2.7 million magazine copies are mailed each year. Study findings include: patrons collectively expressed the most interest in receiving a magazine in the areas of news/current events, mystery and detective fiction, health and nutrition, history, and popular culture; both Braille and audio users expressed satisfaction with the service; there was consistency between the demographic data provided by NLS/BPH and the data collected by the evaluation process; patrons who do not subscribe are either unaware of the program or do not like the flexible disc audio format; and there is widespread support for the program among librarians and patrons throughout the country. Policy recommendations addressed the following areas: magazine selection; processing of magazines published in multiple editions; and regular evaluation of the magazine program. Appendices include patron survey instruments and a librarian survey instrument. (DB) |
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