By Colleen Blaszak
Journalists often cite the fact that the population of the U.S. grows more diverse day by day. But the nation will also get older as the years go by – literally. Research cited by the Administration on Aging (Piper, Palmer, & Xie, 2009) projects that the population of people age 65 and older will increase by 15 million this decade, approaching a total of 55 million by the year 2020.
The good news, perhaps, is that during the past 35 years, libraries in the U.S. have recognized the specific needs of these patrons (i.e., age 65 and older). The American Library Association (ALA) developed a set of seven guidelines regarding how libraries can provide high service standards to these patrons who, in many cases, comprise substantial portions of people served (“American Library Association”, 2008). The elderly, for instance, often benefit from libraries that provide bright lighting, lower shelves, many large print books, etc. A number of libraries offer programs specifically tailored to the needs of elderly patrons, such as workshops about health care and social security issues (Angell, 2010). Libraries play important roles in society as entities that help senior citizens maintain healthy and intellectually active lifestyles (Krashen, 2010).
But the bad news? In actuality, services to the elderly seem inconsistent and lacking in some areas. Recent research highlights a perceived lack of services to the elderly (Piper et al). And while ALA’s guidelines exist for libraries to read, who ensures that all libraries embrace the standards and are in full compliance? Are these guidelines, in other words, recommendations or requirements? For example, one branch of a public library in Maryland met with the spirit of the American Disabilities Act by having a wheelchair ramp, but patrons noted in interviews that it was “’too steep’” to utilize (Piper et al). Libraries are not required to specifically report their implementation on the ALA guidelines to stakeholders.
In any event, the need for libraries to consider elderly patrons will only increase in the future; libraries must continue to work within budgetary and other fiscal constraints to include the needs of these patrons in their programs and comprehensive services.
The good news, perhaps, is that during the past 35 years, libraries in the U.S. have recognized the specific needs of these patrons (i.e., age 65 and older). The American Library Association (ALA) developed a set of seven guidelines regarding how libraries can provide high service standards to these patrons who, in many cases, comprise substantial portions of people served (“American Library Association”, 2008). The elderly, for instance, often benefit from libraries that provide bright lighting, lower shelves, many large print books, etc. A number of libraries offer programs specifically tailored to the needs of elderly patrons, such as workshops about health care and social security issues (Angell, 2010). Libraries play important roles in society as entities that help senior citizens maintain healthy and intellectually active lifestyles (Krashen, 2010).
But the bad news? In actuality, services to the elderly seem inconsistent and lacking in some areas. Recent research highlights a perceived lack of services to the elderly (Piper et al). And while ALA’s guidelines exist for libraries to read, who ensures that all libraries embrace the standards and are in full compliance? Are these guidelines, in other words, recommendations or requirements? For example, one branch of a public library in Maryland met with the spirit of the American Disabilities Act by having a wheelchair ramp, but patrons noted in interviews that it was “’too steep’” to utilize (Piper et al). Libraries are not required to specifically report their implementation on the ALA guidelines to stakeholders.
In any event, the need for libraries to consider elderly patrons will only increase in the future; libraries must continue to work within budgetary and other fiscal constraints to include the needs of these patrons in their programs and comprehensive services.
References
American Library Association. (2008). Guidelines for library and information services to older adults.
Reference & User Services Quarterly, 48(2), 209-212.
Reference & User Services Quarterly, 48(2), 209-212.
Angell, K. (2010). A senior program grows in Brooklyn: Brooklyn public library’s service to the aging. Public Librarian, 49(5), 6-7.
Krashen, S. (2010). The role of the library in delaying or preventing dementia. Teacher Librarian, 38(2), 42-43.
Piper, D., Palmer, S., & Xie, B. (2009). Services to older adults: preliminary findings from three Maryland public libraries. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 50(2), 107-118.
I live by a branch library, and it shares a space with a senior center. I definitely see how the librarians are catering to this population. The large print section of the library is quite large, and many of the reference books deal with issues that seniors face. I'm unsure if my library is part of the "norm," but I hope that other libraries really start aiding these populations. I definitely agree that it is something that libraries need to consider.
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