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Senior Services

Libraries & Seniors

Serving Seniors

Task Force on Library Services for Older Adults

 

Libraries & Seniors

Strengthening Services for Older Missourians

The Report and Recommendations of the Task Force on Library Services for Older Adults

Task Force Recommendations

The Task Force on Library Services for Older Adults proposes a three-dimensional plan to enhance and develop library services for Missouri seniors.

  1. Target improvement of planning library services for seniors, and recognize libraries that implement effective and innovative programs.
  2. Make sure seniors get the message about library services in appealing ways; provide libraries with tools and training for marketing their services.
  3. Use federal and state grant funds to further the development of library services for seniors.

Actions within the following sections detailing the recommendations are noted for implementation during Phase 1 or Phase 2 of the plan.

Planning
Recommendations

 The Planning Recommendations use three avenues to promote planning for library services for older adults:
  • A Resource Manual which would be made available to all public libraries, and to others upon request (Phase 1)
  • Regional Training for library staff that demonstrates how to best use the Resource Manual (Phase 2)
  • Annual Awards for new programs designed for seniors (Phase 1)

The Resource Manual

 The manual will be a tool for all libraries and a resource for planning and evaluation. The manual will support the topics covered in the training sessions, but will be designed so that it can also be used on its own. The manual would need to be updated on a regular basis, and it is suggested that it should be published in loose-leaf form, which would easily accommodate updates. It should include the following:
  • An overview of the demographics which make planning for providing services for older adults imperative
  • A directory of state, federal and private agencies which could provide useful information, materials or services in planning for providing services for older adults, such as the Area Agency on Aging and the Association of American Retired Persons. Whenever possible, contact names and web sites should be included
  • A guide to identifying local agencies which could provide useful information, materials or services in planning for providing services for older adults, such as churches and home health care providers
  • Information and guidelines on forming effective partnerships with these agencies to fulfill the needs of older adults
  • Information and advice on how to involve local citizens, particularly the older adults, in planning for providing services for older adults through surveys, focus groups and other appropriate means
  • A bibliography of literature and other information sources which would be useful in planning and implementing services for older adults, such as books, journal articles, etc.

Regional Training

 Regional training would provide illustrative examples of best practices and how to put the information provided in the Resource Manual to work. To further extend the reach of the training, it is recommended that a "train the trainer" approach be taken. Although many other topics would be useful and appropriate, some examples of training topics would be:
  • Presentations by libraries who have experience and success in providing services for older adults, including presentations by winners of the Annual Awards
  • Discussion of developmental states of older adults, learning stages, and "ageism"
  • Presentations by agencies providing services to older adults
  • Information on how to form productive partnerships and work effectively with agencies providing services to older adults
  • Advice on developing intergenerational programming

Annual Awards

 In order to encourage continued progress in services for older adults, it is recommended that annual awards, such as plaques and/or monetary awards, be presented to libraries who have implemented outstanding new programs or services for older adults in the previous year. Different libraries have different means. Therefore, awards would be made in several categories according to the size of the library. The award process should carry with it collaboration with another agency as an element of eligibility.

As a means of further honoring the recipient and bringing public attention to the outstanding work of the chosen libraries, it is recommended that the libraries make a presentation describing their award-winning programs at the Governor's Conference on Aging. An overview of award winning programs and services should be incorporated into Resource Manual updates.

The American Association for Retired Persons has committed to sponsor a statewide award.

Marketing
Recommendations

In order to promote library services for seniors to library personnel, trustees and the general public, three major marketing recommendations are made:

  • A marketing kit for libraries (Phase 2)
  • A statewide marketing effort (Phase 2)
  • Technology utilization (Phase 2)

Involvement of older Missourians is critical to the development of any of these marketing efforts.

Marketing Kit for
Libraries

 This recommendation serves to educate both library personnel and the general public. The kit is envisioned as "marketing the library in a box" which will include the following components:
  • Stand-alone pieces such as public service announcements, news releases, fliers, brochures, posters, bookmarks, and news articles
  • A logo or slogan developed for use on print products that focuses on library services for senior adults
  • A speaker's bureau, localized by the communities served and staffed with librarians and volunteers who present information to external groups
  • Tips and ideas for marketing to senior audiences: library senior services messages on tray liners and table tents at restaurants and on grocery store bags; distribution of information and materials with Meals On Wheels deliveries; sponsorship of a "Grandparents Day at the Library" and other intergenerational activities

Statewide Marketing
Effort

 The development of the statewide marketing effort for small, medium and large public libraries will target general audiences and may include the following:
  • A proclamation by the governor or lieutenant governor proclaiming Library Services for Seniors Week in Missouri
  • Development of a slide advertisement for showing in movie theatres
  • Development of a video news release on library services for seniors
  • Scheduling a series of radio/cablevision television interviews for spokespersons to discuss library services for seniors and accessibility; interviews could be scheduled in either targeted areas or statewide
  • Securing of a toll-free telephone number for persons to get information about library services for seniors
  • Participation in future Governor's Conferences on Aging through exhibits, sessions, or both
  • Utilization of special events, such as Older Americans Month in May to keep the library services for seniors campaign energized; i.e., May as Senior Read-A-Book-A-Week Month

Technology Utilization

 This component of the marketing recommendations will utilize state of the art technology to advance interactive relationships between libraries and their senior populations. Some examples may be to:
  • Develop a home page (local library specific) with a link to the Missouri State Library website. The "local" homepage would identify services/activities for seniors
  • Develop a website specifically designed for seniors and accessing services statewide to which local libraries could link
  • Develop senior book clubs utilizing the Internet (i.e., book club "chat rooms" as well as other interactive type activities)
  • Develop computer courses for seniors and encourage joining Internet book clubs and other activities
  • Provide the Resource Manual and its updates online

Grant Funds
Recommendations

 In Charting Missouri's Library Future: Into the New Century, the long range plan for library services for the next five years, the State Library provides direction for improving current library services and cooperation between libraries and other agencies.4 Furthermore, the "Missouri Five-Year State Plan for the Use of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Funds" targets improvement of library services and cooperation as key goals. 5 The Task Force recommends that the State Library continue using federal funds to further the development of library services for seniors.
  • Continue to target senior services as a priority item for cooperative grants funded through the Library Services and Technology Act. Cooperative grants, available to eligible Missouri libraries and library consortia for cooperative programs involving several libraries or other partnering agencies, should encourage unique and innovative approaches to developing and enhancing services to seniors (Phase 1)
  • Encourage library applications for Library Services and Technology Act funds for adaptive and assistive devices to provide information access for use by persons with disabilities in the local library communities (Phase 1)

4 Charting Missouri's Library Future: Into the New Century. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri State Library, February 1997.

5 "Missouri Five-Year Plan for the Use of Library Services and Technology ACT (LSTA) Funds: Fiscal Years 1998-2003." Jefferson City, MO: Missouri State Library, 1997.