Introduction
The Association of Libraries for the Visually Impaired (ALVI) is a non-profit educational organization of libraries, special educators related professionals and interested community members with an active interest and concern for the reading and information needs of persons with visual impairment in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
ALVI was inaugurated in May 1999 as a section of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA). It was initially called 'The Association of Libraries for the Visually Handicapped (ALVH) but the nomenclature was changed to 'The Association of Libraries for the Visually Impaired (ALVI) to reflect changes in the parlance of special education for individuals with disabilities.
To date, ALVI has held two national conferences (Lagos, 2000, and Ibadan 2001), one seminar for the South West (Oyo 2002) and two workshops (Lagos 2003 and Oyo 2004).
ALVI is currently constructing a computerized catalogue and database of alternative materials for visually impaired persons in Nigeria and it is our belief that the template for input data can be replicatd by other African countries so as to enable sharing of resources.

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The objectives of ALVI are:

1. To bring together people interested in libraries for persons with visual impairment, by holding meetings, workshops seminars and conferences.

2. To provide educational and information materials in appropriate formats for persons with visual impairment in Nigeria.

3. To promote and encourage cooperation among the libraries and information centers serving persons with visual impairment in Nigeria.

4. To sensitize the public towards the need for the education and rehabilitation of person with visual impairment in Nigeria

5. To solicit for support from the International Agencies serving or interested in the welfare of person with visual impairment

6. To do all lawful things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objectives.

   ALVI has taken these objectives seriously and is systematically and progressively achieving its aims through different activities.