NLS was begun in 1931 as the Books for the Adult Blind Project. It was later referred to as the Library of Congress Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped before its name was changed to its current designation, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The following laws and regulations authorize the provision of library service to people who are blind, visually impaired, or have a physical disability.
- Act of March 3, 1931 (original legislation)
Authorizes provision of books for the adult blind - Public Law 89-522
Authorizes the furnishing of such books and other materials to people with physical disabilities that prevent reading, in addition to those who are blind - U.S. Code Sec. 135a (official law)
Authorizes annual funding for braille and talking books to provide library service to people who are blind or have other physical disabilities - U.S. Code Sec. 135a-1
Authorizes provision of musical scores, instructional texts, and other specialized materials for use of people who are blind, visually impaired, or have a physical disability - U.S. Code Sec. 135b
Addresses provision of service through local and regional centers; preference to veterans who are blind or have a physical disability - Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Sec 701.6
Describes loan of library materials for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have a physical disability - Factsheet on Public Law 104-197
Copyright Law amendment, September 16, 1996, commonly called the Chafee Amendment