Full Description
Inspired by trends in U.S. public libraries, this book teaches librarians how to create a welcoming environment that enriches, enlightens, and engages their library's growing aging community.
The number of adults aged 50+ coming to public libraries is steadily increasing. These patrons include active, healthy, tech-savvy professionals; people who have little or no computer training; retirees; travelers; and those who have age-related health and behavior issues. Public libraries have an opportunity to provide services for this growing and varied group. This book teaches librarians how to develop and expand adult public library programming and services, turning their library into a welcoming environment for the aging community.
Public Library Programs and Services for Midlife and Beyond offers practical examples in areas including community collaboration, outreach, marketing, engagement, technology and social media, funding, and lifelong learning. It also incorporates up-to-date findings from the ALA's Guidelines for Library Services with 60+ Audience: Best Practices. Examples gathered by the author from extensive interviews with public librarians and directors illustrate what a range of libraries is successfully doing for the midlife-and-beyond community and encourage creative thinking about new programs and services.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Introducing 50+ Adults and Their Library Services
Chapter 2. Not Just Your Average Retiree
Chapter 3. Landscaping and Curb Appeal: The Physical Library
Chapter 4. Ready or Not, Here They Come: What about Programming?
Chapter 5. Computers, Facebook, and the Internet: Technology and Social Media
Chapter 6. Fostering Lifelong Learning at Any Age
Chapter 7. Community Collaborations
Chapter 8. Don't Just Sit There: Reach Out!
Chapter 9. Not Just Books Anymore: Marketing Strategies for Your Library
Chapter 10. Where Has All the Money Gone? Funding Strategies
Chapter 11. Going Down a Two-Way Street: Engagement Strategies
Chapter 12. Future Outlook
Appendix A: Randomly Selected U.S. Public Libraries
Appendix B: Resource Links
Appendix C: Patron Links for Library's 50+ Web Site Page
Appendix D: Contributing Public Libraries
References
Index
