A survey sponsored by NLS found that two million persons with some type of visual impairment may be eligible and another million with physical conditions such as paralysis, missing arms or hands, lack of muscle coordination, or prolonged weakness could benefit from the use of reading materials in recorded form. Magazines Six music magazines are offered by direct mail to eligible readers. The Quarterly Music Magazine Program, also on flexible audio disc, consists of four different and complete music magazine issues a year. The music collection, made up of some 30,000 books, scores, and instructional recordings, is a major resource for blind, partially sighted, and physically handicapped musicians, music students, and others who enjoy music. Braille Materials in braille make up the largest portion of the collection and include the standard repertoire for most instruments, vocal and choral music, some popular music, librettos, textbooks, instructional method books, and music periodicals.
Braille is purchased comprehensively from international sources.
The NLS Music Section also serves as an international clearinghouse for information about music that has been transcribed into braille and is available for individual purchase or for international interlibrary loan or purchase. Large Print Enlarged scores with a minimum of 14-point type size and a staff size of one inch are available for voice, piano, and other instruments. Patrons can also borrow books about music, including opera librettos, biographies of popular and classical musicians, general music histories, and some music reference books. Instructional Materials Courses for beginning guitar, piano, organ, accordion, recorder, and voice, and in modern harmony have been purchased or specifically developed for the NLS program. Musical recordings intended solely for entertainment, however, are not part of the free library program since these materials are readily available from stores and local libraries.