The South African Library for the Blind Act 91 of 1998 mandates the Library to: 

• Provide a free library and information service that is responsible to the needs of the Blind and the print-handicapped user
• Build up a balance and appropriate collection of South African and other documents and on to make them accessible for the use of blind and print-handicapped readers
• Produce documents in special mediums such as Braille and audio formats for use by its readers
• Develop standards for the production of such documents
• Research production methods and technology in the appropriate in the appropriate fields
• Acquire and disseminate the technology required by blind and print-handicapped people to read

This mandate commits the Library to:

• Maintain and develop the quality of its books production services through appropriate resources and within the Copyright and Intellectual Property Right legislation
• Expand its products and services to the print reading handicapped
• Expand its collection of reading material and provide access to it
• Sustain sensitivity for the reading needs of its constituency
• Research applicable technology and Braille codes for potential application
• Develop and preserve its human resource skills base
• Maintain and develop good relations with its readers, suppliers, funders, the State and publishers
• Expand its marketing and fundraising program