Library outreach services for older adults review
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Library Outreach Services Serving Older Adults in Public Libraries By Stephanie L. Miller
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Transcript of Library outreach services for older adults review
Library Outreach Services
Serving Older Adults in Public Libraries By Stephanie L. Miller
New Adult Services Librarian
You are the new adult services librarian. ◦ What are your goals for
2012? ◦ What are your plans? ◦ How do you plan to
reach out to older adults in your community?
Goals of Presentation
To identify the older adult population’s information needs in your community
To review and evaluate the current older adult outreach efforts and programming activities at your public library
To develop a better library experience and enhance the services that will serve the older adult population
Quick Library Evaluation
How frequently do older adults visit your library?
What are your library’s current older adult outreach efforts?
Are there any current older adult programs, activities, and events scheduled at your library?
Do you believe that you have met the needs of the older adult population in your library’s community?
Brainstorm
Who is considered an older adult?
What were the significant events that impacted their lives?
What challenges do older adults face in 2012? How can librarians assist older adults with their challenges?
What are the values of older adults?
What are the dreams and goals of the older adult population?
Important Questions
Do you know the approximate older adult population living in your library’s community?
What do you know about the older adult population? (ethnicity, religion, language)
What are their interests and hobbies?
Market Research
◦Market research
Gather primary research:
◦Quantitative and qualitative
◦ design patron satisfaction surveys, polls, questionnaires, comment/opinion inquires
◦Collect information on library programs and events attendance
◦Listen to verbal feedback from older adult population through reference transactions
◦Observe the services used by the older adults who attend your library
Market Research Cont.
Secondary Research
◦Government Information
Demographicdata
national, state, and local statistics on older adults
◦Free or Subscription based Information
Newspapers, magazines and journals and trade publications
Professional Associations (RUSA, ALA, PLA and etc.)
Information Needs
Top information needs for older adults
◦Government and financial information
◦Health, retirement, and senior living information
◦Readers’ advisory
◦Recreation information
◦Computer training
Story of an Older Adult
Valerie is a 65 years old retired nurse and recent widow
who lives without any children. She has aspirations to
find a part-time job. Valerie doesn’t like the idea of being
alone at home. She has a resume, but applying for jobs
online overwhelms her. Outside of looking for a part-time
job her next goal is to travel. Her interests include
traveling, attending church, and making new friends.
Help the library patron
What outreach efforts and programs would you create to welcome the library patron into your library?
How would you serve the library patron if she were to enter your library?
How would you describe the patrons’ information needs?
What programs and activities are at your library to assist the patron?
Get Started
Strategic planning
◦ Start writing about key goals, strategies, and possible outcomes
Grant Writing: find funding to support your outreach projects.
◦ Library Services and Technology Act Grant (LSTA)
Collaborate with organizations in the community
◦ Examples include the Senior Citizen Homes, Health Agencies, Hospital,
◦ and nursing homes
Tell the library’s story
◦ Develop strategies to tell older adults about your library services.
Strategic Outreach Plan
Mission Statement
Objectives/goals
Current library services
Situational Analysis
Market Research Analysis
Strategic Plan Cont.
Strategies for outreach and engagement
Budget
Implementation of outreach plan
Targets and deadlines
Expected results
Older Adult Programming and Services
DIY crafts
Game nights
Business and health
information fairs
Book Club discussions and
storytelling events
Professional development
Retirement information
sessions
Genealogy workshops
Digital literacy workshops
Helpful Resources
ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services. (2010). Keys to Engage Older Adults @ Your Library. American Library Association. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/toolkits/olderadults.cfm
Guidelines for Library and Information Services to older Adults. (2008). Reference & User Services Quarterly, 48(2), 209-212. Retrieved from EBSCOhost
Dempsey, B. (2007). WHAT BOOMERS WANT. Library Journal, 132(12), 36-39. Retrieved from EBSCOhost
Durrance, Joan C., Fisher, Karen E. Hinton, Marian B. (2004). How libraries and librarians help: A guide to identifying user-centered outcomes. Chicago: American Library Association.
