Crash Course in Library Services for Seniors

by Ann Roberts, Stephanie G. Bauman

Overview

A comprehensive guide to creating dynamic, successful, and innovative library programs that cater to the specialized needs of older adults—an important and growing user group.

Crash Course in Library Services for Seniors provides a refreshingly positive approach to working with older adults—one that focuses on the positive effects of aging on patrons, and the many opportunities that libraries can create for themselves by offering top-notch services delivered with a concierge mindset. The book offers page after page of great programming ideas specifically for reaching out to Baby Boomers and older customers—a population that is predicted to double over the next 20 years.

Organized in only six chapters, this easy-to-read book provides practical suggestions for making any library a welcoming place for older adults, covering topics such as assessment, planning, programming, services, marketing, and evaluation. This title will be invaluable to public librarians interested in expanding and improving their current programming for older adults within their community, and for those looking to create entirely new programming for seniors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610690799
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/31/2012
Series:	Crash Course
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.40(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Ann Roberts is adult services consultant for Missouri State Library, Jefferson City, MO.

Stephanie G. Bauman, MLS, is author of the Libraries Unlimited book Storytimes for Children and a member of the American Library Association.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1—Why Single Out Seniors?
ALA Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults
Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults
One Size Fits All?
Aging as a State of Mind
Common Myths about Our Aging Brains
Factors Associated with Longevity and Good Health
Desire to Serve
Why Is It Smart for Librarians to Turban Their Attention to This Age Group?
Chapter 2—Starting Something Special
Environmental Assessment Scanning
Internal Assessment Scanning
External Scanning
Information-Gathering Techniques
Advisory Council
Focus Groups
Community Open Houses, Public Forums, and Discussion Groups
Personal Interviews
Observation
Surveys
Assessing Your Information—Putting It All Together
Sharing Your Findings
Funding: Looking for Assistance—Inside and Out
In-House Resources
External Resources
Granting Your Wishes
Grant Search Websites
Making a Senior Program a Winning Proposition
Carve Out a Space
And Why Should We Do This?
Location, Location, Location
Space Dynamics
Furbaniture and Shelving
Kiosks
Space for Childhood Favorites
Outdoor Spaces
Branding Your Program
Defining the Ideal—Working with the Realities
Chapter 3—Stellar Services
Special Senior Services Desk
Seniors Webpage
E-Readers
Computer/Book Enhancement Programs
Readability
Zoom Text
JAWS Screen Accessibility Software
Braille Displays and Printers
The Future of Computing: Gesture-Based Computing
Little Extras
Outreach Services
Email or Mailing List
Senior Advisory Board
Conclusion
Chapter 4—Enterprising Programs
The Fundamentals
Umbrella Themes
Connectivity
Continue the Jourbaney
Learning Goals
Outcomes = Ready-Made Evaluation
Resource and Technology Infusion
Money Money Money! Series.
Partnerships
Programs
Other Suggestions
Tech Bytes Technology Series
A Word on Tech Lingo
Partnerships
Programs
Other Suggestions
Wellness Watch Series
Partnerships
Programs
Other Suggestions
Random Program Ideas
Geocaching
Knit Tagging
Finding Your Musical Muse
Other Stand-Alone Programming Ideas
Program Ideas That Need Local Flair
Urban Garden Series
Philosophical Forum (A Discussion Group Based on the Socrates Café)
Blazing Book Club
Book Talks
Events Prep Series (aka The Sneak Peak)
Learning Local Series
Staycations
Story Bee
Video Games
Tips for Creating Your Own Programming
Consistency
Combine Patron Needs and Wants with Your Expertise
Think Local
Scour the In-House Resources
Find Those Free Outside Resources
Chapter 5—Promote and Gain a Fan Base
The Marketing Mind-Set
Marketing to Baby Boomers.
Marketing to All Older Adults
Marketing Tools (aka Getting Their Attention)
Word of Mouth (WOM)
Local News Outlets
Fee vs. Free
Newspapers: Print Format
News: Television Format
Radio
Printed Marketing Material
Technology
Websites
Email List
Facebook Page
Twitter Account
The "Contagious Curiosity" Marketing Strategy
Other Tips and Tricks
Create Your Own Buzz
Conclusion
Chapter 6—Everything about Evaluating
Creating Gutsy Goals
Assessing the Goals Themselves
Creating Action-Based Objectives
Creating Outcomes
Collecting Evaluation Evidence
Creating Evaluation Surveys
Fostering an Open Dialogue
Assessing the Evidence
Updating Programs and Services Based on Evaluation
Dealing with Bad Feedback or Controversy
Bringing It All Together
Proving Worth to a Wider Audience
Conclusion
Appendix A—ALA Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults
Introduction
Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older Adults
Appendix B—Sample Surveys
Assessment Survey for Older Adults: Current Users
Assessment Survey for Older Adults: Current Nonusers
Survey for Community Gatekeepers
Assessment Survey for Library Staff
Appendix C—Free Online Technology Tools
Assessment/Evaluation
Blogging
Book Clubs: Online
Bookmarking
Collaboration
Computer Maintenance
Facebook and Alternatives
Image Editing Websites
Image Sharing
Podcasting
Presentations
Tasking and To-Do Lists
Technology Help
Text to Speech
Video Creation and Editing
Video Sharing
Website Creators
Appendix D—Web Resource List
Associations
Caregiving
Death and Grief: Widow/er
Assistive Technology
Discounts for Seniors
Employment
Estate Planning
Fitness
Fraud Prevention
Government
Grants
Librarian Resources
Multitopic Sites
Retirement
Second Careers for Seniors
Taxes
Technology
Travel for Seniors
Volunteering
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

This text could easily be used by the new librarian serving senior patrons as well as the seasoned professional who is new to this role. The work is a great review as well as introduction to the life of a librarian, illustrating both the positive and the challenging situations.” —ARBA

From the Publisher