Library Services for Seniors: An Annotated Bibliography. Diana Austin INFO 522: Information Access & Resources June 9, 2010

Transcription

1 Library Services for Seniors: An Annotated Bibliography Diana Austin INFO 522: Information Access & Resources June 9, 2010

2 Austin 2 Introduction and Scope This bibliography focuses on articles concerning ways in which public libraries can extend their services to keep senior patrons involved with their library. I researched a wide variety of articles to include, including many international articles. I have included some older articles, some as old as 1970, in order to get information on both tried and true traditional methods and methods that might be obsolete. The newer articles, as recent as 2009, give fresh perspectives and cutting edge ideas. Some of the articles are more general in nature and discuss the needs of the older generation and programs that are in place by non-public library institutions. Together, these articles provide a wide scope of ideas and background on my topic intended for public library professionals interested in serving the older generation's needs. Description Older adults are an often overlooked demographic. As the information age grows, older adults might feel estranged from their library, which does not always provide special programs to keep them involved and their needs met. Libraries could introduce seniors to the library's new technology to keep them up to date, but seniors might also appreciate library programs designed with them in mind. Due to the wide variety of terminology across the years for this unique group, I will be mixing the vocabulary usage for seniors, or using the language of the article I'm discussing. Summary of Findings There is a lot of information available on the subject of the information needs of these library users. However, it is scattered over multiple disciplines and spread out over many topics. This list is compiled to draw together these ideas so that they can be examined easily in a centralized location. I chose a lot of articles that focused on a

3 Austin 3 think outside the box solution to serving library patrons, but I also included older solutions as well. I found that information on serving the needs of patrons with disabilities was also helpful for seniors because they also might need solutions for limited mobility or eyesight. One of the issues is that libraries are not applying new teaching services to help patrons stay up to date with current technology trends. Patrons who are not as comfortable in the internet age may not be able to fully appreciate switches libraries are making for OPACs, library card account management, or online newsletters, just to name a few. Senior patrons may have trouble adjusting to these services because they need instruction on their use. Related to this issue is the idea that older patrons have a different perspective of what a library means to them than younger generations, who are looking for speedy information transactions versus a personal experience when they visit the library. Another issue stems from how libraries view themselves and their role in their community. If a library sees themselves simply as a place for books and information, then their services for seniors might only extend so far as to have a selection of large print books. It is more common now that libraries sees themselves as a hub of social networking, and make service choices accordingly. These libraries have more services that take place outside of the library, such as home delivery of books. Recent trends show libraries that offer more community-oriented services. Of particular note is the article by Levine on gaming programs in the library. There are games that have been developed that are suited to all members of the family, which was not the case even a decade ago. One service that seems to have stuck through the years is book clubs. It is still popular for groups to meet inside or outside the library and form close-knit ties and generate long-standing members. Programs like these can help make patrons, who might feel estranged by technology updates to the library, still be included in the library's community.

4 Austin 4 If older patrons find adapting to the library's changes difficult, a library can offer compromises. One of the concerns is that these changes need to be constantly updating with the times. What served the needs of the older generation twenty years ago, may not be what the middle aged patrons will need when they become the oldest generation. Only a couple of the compiled articles are concerned with planning for the future. Each generation has its own set of values and needs, and so libraries will need to plan for personalization for future generations. For this reason, while older information is useful for background purposes, new material needs to be gathered for each generation. Even though we need new material for each generation, that does not mean that older information is no longer valid. Certain services will always be needed. For those with failing eyesight: audiobooks, large print books, music programs. For those with limited mobility: online listings, downloadable content, in-home delivery. I do not see that these options will become unneeded in the foreseeable future. What is important when keeping these ideas in mind is that in these times, these options are good as a basic service. Librarians cannot stop with this list if they want to truly involve as many aged people as possible. They must use it as a foundation on which to build stronger services. Special services that are of interest to any patron might be particularly interesting to those who are retired. These include, but are not limited to: part time or volunteering opportunities, free internet access, internet tutorials, book sales, community information, For Grandma and Me programs, health information, and gentle yoga. These probably sound like services that a community center might offer, but today's library is part bookstore, part anything else. For example, many libraries offer affordable services such as faxing and printing in order to meet the demand of patrons' needs.

5 Austin 5 To meet the needs of any patrons, a library has to be flexible. In Public Library Strategies for the Over 50s, Joseph writes, In 2011 the leading edge of the baby boomer generation will reach 65 years of age (115). Even though each generation is becoming more and more familiar with technology, this generation will need help spanning the digital divide. They may not need the classes teaching users for the first time, but be more interested in Web 2.0 and palm devices. They may want the library space to be a more active part in their social networking. A library can meet those needs if they are fore-planning. I recommend various and multiple methods to determining elderly users' needs. A popular standard is collecting data on previous studies or, to be current, studies performed in areas of similar demographics. Of course each library has a unique patron demographic, but a library can evaluate what other libraries are doing and determine if it might be worthwhile to implement similar practices. Surveys are a good way to get valid suggestions, but it would be difficult to reach patrons who do not go to libraries in the first place, and so you would not know what would interest them in beginning to come to the library. Even a column in the local paper asking for input might spark the interest of a few potential patrons with innovative ideas. This topic is important to research because libraries are in place to serve the entire community. Older adults, being a large chunk of most communities, deserve to receive specialized attention, just like any other group. Older adults have particular needs and interests, and these change with every new generation that arrives. Budget aside, libraries are in a position to meet those needs. As part of the community, they have the support, friendly staff, and space to adapt to the changing interests of the older generation. All libraries need is some information about their patrons and some innovative planning, and they can provide a welcoming, educational, and beneficial environment.

6 Austin 6 Bibliography Entry 1: Baer, E. R. (1988). Feeding the reader's hunger. Humanities, 9(6), Abstract: The "Let's Talk about It" program began in Vermont as a reading and discussion group based in local libraries and grew into a program in 30 states and supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The program brought together a diverse audience of adults to read books on selected themes in literature. Humanities scholars enriched the discussion with biographical information on the author, provided contextual perspectives from the literary tradition or historical era, and acted as a catalyst for discussion. The programs often drew overflow crowds. Although the NEH program has officially ended, reading and discussion programs continue to thrive. Annotation: This article is unique in that its focus is about outreach that started in the library and then branched out and sprouted groups of interested readers. This article raises the suggestion that libraries, aside from provides services in the building, can also have a larger social duty on a population outside of the library. After looking at the article by Ensley, I clicked on the descriptor Outreach Programs. Eric Browsing N/A Entry 2: Boyce, J. I., & Boyce, B. R. (1995). Library outreach programs in rural areas. Library Trends, 44(1), Abstract: Outreach is a major method public libraries use to provide services to communities of 2,500 people and fewer. Video and electronic digital media are increasingly supplementing more traditional programs, such as bookmobiles and books-by-mail, to distribute library services in rural areas.

7 Austin 7 Annotation: Not only does this article make practical suggestions for outreach, such as bookmobiles, it also delves into the problems surrounding outreach for a rural library. It works to do more than solve the issue but to understand it as well. All of my searches in Academic OneFile were limited to the Social Sciences. This first search was just to see how general I could be, and as it turns out there were many more results concerning the central point of my topic than in Eric. Academic OneFile (ke ("library use")) Or (ke ("library users")) And (ke (elderly))limits:(pc ("social Sciences")) Entry 3: Cooper, R., Dempsey P. R., Menon, V., & Millson-Martula, C. (1998). Remote library users: Needs and expectations. Library Trends, 47(1), 42-1). Abstract: Libraries of all types are providing an increasing number of resources that users can access from remote sites. Academic libraries, in particular, are becoming partners in their parent institutions' distance learning programs. As a result, library staff now work with remote users (both students and faculty) with their own unique characteristics, needs, and expectations. To promote user satisfaction, library staff need to better understand users and their needs as well as enable users to meet those needs. This article provides a particular focus on remote users in an academic environment. Annotation: Even though this article focuses on an academic environment, the principles of user satisfaction can be applied to public libraries. If we can understand the needs, versus assuming needs, then we can make more accurate and well-informed choices. It occurred to me after my preliminary search in Academic OneFile that instead of working out the proper terminology for Senior or Older Adult or Elderly, I could find articles on generational differences, which would cover more. Academic OneFile

8 Austin 8 (ke (generation)) And (ke (library))limits:(pc ("social Sciences")) And ( (peer-reviewed)) Entry 4: Department of Health and Social Security. (1970). Library services in hospitals. H.M., 70(23), Abstract: The memorandum gives guidance to the provision and organization of library services at hospitals both for staff and for patients. It also draws attention to the assistance available from outside sources towards the development and maintenance of these services so hospital authorities may make the most effective use of the available facilities. Special groups of patients served include: the blind, physically handicapped, mentally ill, and the elderly. Annotation: I was able to get a lot out of the outside perspective. The driving idea behind choosing this article is that I could learn ideas from other institutions and could apply them to a library situation. Of course the most interesting section is the last group: The Elderly, as it especially applies to my topic. Unfortunately, the recommendations for small print alternatives are sound, but not as outside-the-box as I was hoping. I especially found the date range (1966-current) to be useful because it could provide older articles that would be a good backdrop to modern methods. At first I had wanted to use Library Literature & Information Science Retrospective, but not as many of the articles were available electronically. Eric Controlled Vocabulary Older Adults AND Library Services Entry 5: Dunn, L. (2005). The fairfield seniors survey project. Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, 18(2), 76-8.

9 Austin 9 Abstract: A review of the methodology and outcomes of a 60 page report of the library behaviour of English and nonenglish speaking residents aged over 50 in the City of Fairfield in metropolitan Sydney NSW. Annotation: I include this article as a precursor to Entry #7. Only together do they provide a cohesive view into a very in-depth study. It is short yet concise. I selected Library Literature and Information Science and expanded some search terms to check which vocabulary is most common. After I found promising terms, I performed a keyword search. I searched the titles of articles I wanted to read in the Drexel Libraries for Library Literature and Information Science-Fulltext database and was able to check for peer-review while I was there. Library Literature and Information Science [Dialog] s (senior? OR Old? OR Elder? or Retire?) AND use(w)stud? Entry 6: Ensley, R. F. (1975). Special library services. Illinois Libraries, 57(7), Abstract: The September 1975 issue of Illinois Libraries focuses on the needs of the developmentally disabled, physically handicapped, and emotionally disturbed. Articles on library services to the blind and physically handicapped cover standards, services of local public libraries, Library of Congress programs, braille books and sound recordings, multistate and regional centers and networks, radio newspaper reading, and the history of such services. Discussions on services to the deaf and older adults with impaired hearing include the use of sign language by librarians, sign language story hours and television programs, special materials, and teletype reference service. For services to the mentally ill, descriptions are provided of outreach programs (using both print and media formats) to those in homes and institutions, operation of institutional libraries, public library services to the institutionalized, and bibliotherapy. Library services in resident facilities for the mentally retarded are also discussed, along with library services in county jails and the role of special services consultants. Annotation: The involved committee has background in public, school, academic, special libraries, and more. This lends to a wide scope of perspectives. This is not the

10 Austin 10 only piece included that shows options that were in place before digital services, but it is perhaps one of the most in depth. It includes a very interesting section on library programming history. For this search, I wanted to compound many terms at once so that I could see all the results at the same time and avoid duplicate articles. Again, Eric is very useful for older articles. Eric Controlled Vocabulary "Library Services" OR "Library Services" OR ("Library Materials" AND "Reference Materials") OR ("Library Services" AND "Reference Services") OR "Library Role" OR "Library Services" OR "User Needs (Information)" OR "User Satisfaction (Information)" OR "Users (Information)" AND Older Adults Entry 7: Hoegh-Guldberg, H. (2006). Aged services survey for fairfield city library service new south wales. Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, 19(1), Abstract: With 133 nationalities and over 70 languages spoken among its 193,000 population the City of Fairfield in metropolitan Sydney is Australia's most multicultural and multilingual local government area. In 2004 its library commissioned a survey funded by a State Library of NSW grant to discover why older immigrants use the library less than others, and how their use could be increased. In an Australian, and possibly world first, the survey explored the behaviour of library users and nonusers in three language groups, Arabic/Assyrian, Spanish and Vietnamese. Annotation: Suggests a different perspective for my project due to the multilingual aspect of the survey. Not only can we break up the user population into senior and non-senior, but also go even further to explore the issues of English-speaking seniors and nonenglish-speaking seniors. It raises the question: How do we make seniors fell welcome and capable across the language barrier? I selected Library Literature and Information Science and expanded some search terms to check which vocabulary is

11 Austin 11 most common. After I found promising terms, I performed a keyword search. I searched the titles of articles I wanted to read in the Drexel Libraries for Library Literature and Information Science-Fulltext database and was able to check for peer-review while I was there. Library Literature and Information Science [Dialog] s (senior? OR Old? OR Elder? or Retire?) AND use(w)stud? Entry 8: Joseph, M. (2006). Active, engaged, valued: Older people and public libraries in new south wales. Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, 19(3), Abstract: Libraries face an imminent age wave as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. Retirees and older people have traditionally been an important target market for libraries. The impact of a greatly increased proportion of them in local communities will be an important consideration in library planning, facility design, resourcing, marketing strategies, the development of strategic partnerships and staffing. Trends, current research, stakeholders and recommendations to support strategic planning within the NSW public library network are identified. Annotation: Discusses the needs of many different groups of older people, but does not go into specifics about what the library could offer to, for example, an older person who enjoys genealogy. However, while it does not make specific recommendations, the article does do a thorough breakdown of issues and needs unique to each older group. I thought that the next article listed in this bibliography was refreshing, and so I wanted to see if the author had any other work on the subject. Academic OneFile Author searching (au (Joseph, Mylee))LIMITS:( (peer-reviewed)) And ( (full text))

12 Austin 12 Entry 9: Joseph, M. (2009). Public library strategies for the over 50s: Everything old is new again or is it? Australasian Public Libraries and Information Services, 22(3), Abstract: Will public libraries be serving a new breed of senior as the baby boomers age? What will an over 50 community with a passion for enjoying life and exploring new horizons demand from their public library services? How will libraries meet the increasing demand for services to frail aged clients? Strategies for libraries designing services and programs for the over 50s are considered. Annotation: This is the second article that deals with looking toward the future generations in order to plan for how to serve the community instead of looking at the present. I wouldn't have found this article if I hadn't simplified my search terms. It occurred to me after my preliminary search in Academic OneFile that instead of working out the proper terminology for Senior or Older Adult or Elderly, I could find articles on generational differences, which would cover more. Academic OneFile (ke (generation)) And (ke (library))limits:(pc ("social Sciences")) And ( (peer-reviewed)) Entry 10: Kleiman, A.M. (1995). The aging agenda. Library Journal, 120(7), Abstract: Examines library service to older Americans and finds it wanting, and looks at ways to redefine services for this group. What is meant by `older adult'; Changing demographics and policies; The need to consider phases of aging and different information needs for each age group; The library's physical plant; Competition, including Elderhostel and SENIORNET; The Brooklyn Public Library's SAGE Program and other model programs. Annotation: Even though this article was written in 1995, this article lays out plays for the future as far as Most of the articles included in this bibliography are concerned with helping our current older adults. However, this article plans ahead by

13 Austin 13 looking at the group that will one day be the oldest population. Instead of using the same techniques for all generations, it personalizes one group at a time. I was performing a Controlled Vocabulary search in Eric for Older Adults AND Library Services when I came across a Bibliography named Library and Information Services to Individuals with Disabilities. Reference Bibliography No This article was listed under the heading Library Users with Special Needs: Older Adults. I got the full-text from EBSCOhost by performing an Author Search for Kleiman, Allan. N/A Footnote chasing N/A Entry 11: Levine, J. (2008). Broadening the audience for gaming in libraries. Library Technology Reports, 44(3), Abstract: Quoted from Introduction: "I don't think the library has ever done anything to attract my generation," Carol [age 56] says. "I think they're more interested in getting kids in."--beth Dempsey (1) Just as we need to be more inclusive in our definition of gaming, we also need to be more aware of the new audiences emerging. More people than ever self-identify as garners, and more people are playing more types of games than ever before. Annotation: This modern article gives a fresh outlook on the subject. It goes beyond the traditional notion that if you provide interesting reading material, then that will be enough to attract patrons. One step up is providing technology and/or classes that suit older patrons. This article goes beyond thinking of a library as only a place for learning. It introduces the possibility of a library being a place of community and fun in order to attract more visitors. It occurred to me after my preliminary search in Academic OneFile that instead of working out the proper terminology for Senior or Older Adult or Elderly, I could find

14 Austin 14 articles on generational differences, which would cover more. Academic OneFile (ke (generation)) And (ke (library))limits:(pc ("social Sciences")) And ( (peer-reviewed)) Entry 12: Millward, P. (2003). The grey digital divide : Perception, exclusion and barriers of access to the internet for older people. First Monday (Online), 8(7), 1. Abstract: Focusing upon the elderly, this article utilizes data discovered as researcher for Age Concern in Wigan (U.K.) and examines the feelings of older people toward the Internet. It explores the reasons why some clients and volunteers choose to use the Internet, whilst others do not, relating these perspectives to the organizations, alongside broader national (U.K.) and EU, commitments to reduce the digital divide. The article argues that for the elderly Internet usability is based upon more than availability of technology. Instead a lack of Web skills among the elderly leads to an opinion that information and communication technologies are for the young, leading to a long-term damage lack of interest in using the Internet. Annotation: Particularly interesting because it not only studies the statistics such as previous entry, but also delves into the reasons behind those numbers. When one understands the reasons, then we can look into solutions. It is also of interest as another non-american source. I selected Library Literature and Information Science and expanded some search terms to check which vocabulary is most common. After I found promising terms, I performed a keyword search. I searched the titles of articles I wanted to read in the Drexel Libraries for Library Literature and Information Science-Fulltext database and was able to check for peer-review while I was there. Library Literature and Information Science [Dialog]

15 Austin 15 s (senior? OR Old? OR Elder? or Retire?) AND use(w)stud? Entry 13:: Moisey, S. D. (2007). The inclusive libraries initiative: Enhancing the access of persons with developmental disabilities to information and communication technology. Developmental Disabilities Bulletin, 35(1-2), Abstract: Through assistive technology, individualized support, and community-based activities, the Inclusive Libraries Initiative is increasing the capacity of rural libraries in Northeast Alberta to attract and serve patrons with disabilities, particularly developmental disabilities. Local public libraries are important natural supports for adults with developmental disabilities and others, providing access to web-based information and communication technology (ICT) as well as to conventional library offerings. Enhanced access to ICT is an important step in helping individuals with developmental disabilities increase their ability to obtain firsthand information, broaden their social support network through the use of communication technologies, and bridge the "digital divide" that prevents them from full inclusion in our knowledgebased society. Annotation: The heart of this article is a drive to breakdown the preconceptions that prevent a relationship between technology and learners. It is very specific about how libraries are suited to achieve that goal, and how they could use their resources to serve the public in need. This article is important because older adults cover a large percentage of that population. This was the last search that I performed in Eric. I had already searched with Controlled Vocabulary, and so I wanted to relax my search in case it would pick up any articles that may have been overlooked in more stringent searches. Eric Senior AND Technology AND Library Entry 14:

16 Austin 16 Sit, R. A. (1998). Online library catalog search performance by older adult users [at torrance public library]. Library & Information Science Research, 20(2), Abstract: Previous information retrieval research has neglected examination of older adults' search behavior...borgman's three layers of knowledge needed to perform online library catalog searching: (1)conceptual knowledge, (2) semantic knowledge, and (3) technical skills in executing the query...experienced serious problems at all three knowledge layers but experienced their most severe difficulties with conceptual knowledge of how to search the online library catalog system...the significance of these findings for older adults' use of online library catalogs will be discussed. Annotation: Provides a solid background for understanding the issues older adults face as they try to perform searches in a library catalog. Certainly the digital age has made their use of the library more difficult, and it leads me to conclude that enjoyment and frequency drops due to this issue. A downfall of this article is the publication date, over 10 years old, but I am interested in having such an early perspective. I selected Library Literature and Information Science and expanded some search terms to check which vocabulary is most common. After I found promising terms, I performed a keyword search. I searched the titles of articles I wanted to read in the Drexel Libraries for Library Literature and Information Science-Fulltext database and was able to check for peer-review while I was there. Library Literature and Information Science [Dialog] s (senior? OR Old? OR Elder? or Retire?) AND use(w)stud? Conclusion and Personal Statement From the beginning of my research, I realized that the information structure is as simple or complex as you need it to be. I got very accurate results from specific search terms and controlled vocabulary searching, but also unearthed many gems as well through keyword searching. I don't think that I exhausted every search term before moving on to the next database, but there is so much information out there on this topic

17 Austin 17 that I felt satisfied with just looking at the first few pages of relevant results. I learned that when searching, it is best to try the most obvious searches and databases first. This is because you might get a lot of relevant results and you will have avoided wasting the time you would have spent searching databases in order, for example. I am very glad I chose my topic of senior library patrons for two reasons. First, it is relevant to my current jobs at local libraries. One of my library's values is Personalization. We are always looking to connect with our members and make them feel welcome and special. The seniors are a few generations apart from myself, and so this research has helped me better understand their needs. Second, I hope to be able to use this research in the future in a new position. I do not think that the current trends will still be relevant, but the way of thinking will still be. I will know to take a look at the demographics and see what our older patrons need instead of what the library simply thinks they need. When the time comes, I will also have a good idea of where to look to get the information. This assignment has definitely widened my perspectives on the subject I chose.