Crash Course in Library Services for Seniors

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.

• IntroductionChapter 1—Why Single Out Seniors?ALA Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older AdultsGuidelines for Library and Information Services to Older AdultsOne Size Fits All?Aging as a State of MindCommon Myths about Our Aging BrainsFactors Associated with Longevity and Good HealthDesire to ServeWhy Is It Smart for Librarians to Turn Their Attention to This Age Group?Chapter 2—Starting Something SpecialEnvironmental Assessment ScanningInternal Assessment ScanningExternal ScanningInformation-Gathering TechniquesAdvisory CouncilFocus GroupsCommunity Open Houses, Public Forums, and Discussion GroupsPersonal InterviewsObservationSurveysAssessing Your Information—Putting It All TogetherSharing Your FindingsFunding: Looking for Assistance—Inside and OutIn-House ResourcesExternal ResourcesGranting Your WishesGrant Search WebsitesMaking a Senior Program a Winning PropositionCarve Out a SpaceAnd Why Should We Do This?Location, Location, LocationSpace DynamicsFurniture and ShelvingKiosksSpace for Childhood FavoritesOutdoor SpacesBranding Your ProgramDefining the Ideal—Working with the RealitiesChapter 3—Stellar ServicesSpecial Senior Services DeskSeniors WebpageE-ReadersComputer/Book Enhancement ProgramsReadabilityZoom TextJAWS Screen Accessibility SoftwareBraille Displays and PrintersThe Future of Computing: Gesture-Based ComputingLittle ExtrasOutreach ServicesEmail or Mailing ListSenior Advisory BoardConclusionChapter 4—Enterprising ProgramsThe FundamentalsUmbrella ThemesConnectivityContinue the JourneyLearning GoalsOutcomes = Ready-Made EvaluationResource and Technology InfusionMoney Money Money! Series.PartnershipsProgramsOther SuggestionsTech Bytes Technology SeriesA Word on Tech LingoPartnershipsProgramsOther SuggestionsWellness Watch SeriesPartnershipsProgramsOther SuggestionsRandom Program IdeasGeocachingKnit TaggingFinding Your Musical MuseOther Stand-Alone Programming IdeasProgram Ideas That Need Local FlairUrban Garden SeriesPhilosophical Forum (A Discussion Group Based on the Socrates Café)Blazing Book ClubBook TalksEvents Prep Series (aka The Sneak Peak)Learning Local SeriesStaycationsStory BeeVideo GamesTips for Creating Your Own ProgrammingConsistencyCombine Patron Needs and Wants with Your ExpertiseThink LocalScour the In-House ResourcesFind Those Free Outside ResourcesChapter 5—Promote and Gain a Fan BaseThe Marketing Mind-SetMarketing to Baby Boomers.Marketing to All Older AdultsMarketing Tools (aka Getting Their Attention)Word of Mouth (WOM)Local News OutletsFee vs. FreeNewspapers: Print FormatNews: Television FormatRadioPrinted Marketing MaterialTechnologyWebsitesEmail ListFacebook PageTwitter AccountThe "Contagious Curiosity" Marketing StrategyOther Tips and TricksCreate Your Own BuzzConclusionChapter 6—Everything about EvaluatingCreating Gutsy GoalsAssessing the Goals ThemselvesCreating Action-Based ObjectivesCreating OutcomesCollecting Evaluation EvidenceCreating Evaluation SurveysFostering an Open DialogueAssessing the EvidenceUpdating Programs and Services Based on EvaluationDealing with Bad Feedback or ControversyBringing It All TogetherProving Worth to a Wider AudienceConclusionAppendix A—ALA Guidelines for Library and Information Services to Older AdultsIntroductionGuidelines for Library and Information Services to Older AdultsAppendix B—Sample SurveysAssessment Survey for Older Adults: Current UsersAssessment Survey for Older Adults: Current NonusersSurvey for Community GatekeepersAssessment Survey for Library StaffAppendix C—Free Online Technology ToolsAssessment/EvaluationBloggingBook Clubs: OnlineBookmarkingCollaborationComputer MaintenanceFacebook and AlternativesImage Editing WebsitesImage SharingPodcastingPresentationsTasking and To-Do ListsTechnology HelpText to SpeechVideo Creation and EditingVideo SharingWebsite CreatorsAppendix D—Web Resource ListAssociationsCaregivingDeath and Grief: Widow/erAssistive TechnologyDiscounts for SeniorsEmploymentEstate PlanningFitnessFraud PreventionGovernmentGrantsLibrarian ResourcesMultitopic SitesRetirementSecond Careers for SeniorsTaxesTechnologyTravel for SeniorsVolunteeringBibliographyIndex

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.