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Funding and governance of library and information services for visually impaired people: international case studies

Part2:Country studies

USA

Library and user group data

Prevalence of visual/print impairment

NLS estimates there are approximately 3m individuals eligible for its service nationwide. There are a variety of estimates for people with learning disabilities, perhaps around forty million.

An NLS user survey carried out in 2004 showed that their subscribers are primarily middle aged and elderly people with lateonset serious vision loss and modest incomes. Their educational profile varies considerably, and they are only slightly less likely to live in rural areas or small towns than in a suburb or city.

Public libraries

There were 9,207 public libraries in 2004 (fiscal year). There were 4.7 visits per head of the population on average. Both total numbers and per capita visits were up slightly on 2001 (9,129 and 4.3). Visits per capita varied widely from over 7 in Ohio to under 3 in Mississippi.

Funding for public libraries depends on their location. As public libraries are tax supported, suburban and urban areas have a larger tax base to draw on.

The trend in growth or decline in services also depends upon the location of the library. Many libraries are striving to expand services, particularly electronic resources to meet patron needs.

Traditionally children and older adults make up the core of most frequent users. Teenagers, college students, and working adults have less time to use libraries.