It is very difficult to generalize about the origins and evolution of libraries for the blind because the circumstances vary from country to country.
Articles published in this journal and case studies that have been presented at IFLA conferences illustrate that there are many different models
of governing and funding libraries for the blind. In some countries, such
as the UK and Canada, specialist libraries for the blind were established
by private benefactors as long ago as the nineteenth century, and to this
day they are run as charities or voluntary sector organizations. In parts of
Asia and Africa libraries for the blind were established by missionaries. In
some countries libraries grew out of rehabilitation agencies.