A recent research project in the view to the future for senior services (Cuneo, E.J. III (2006). Present and Future Senior Services at South County Regional Library in Camden County: A Thesis points out that the number of seniors (defined as those over 62 years old) living in a rural community (18% in 1997) is greater than that of urban areas and is expected to grow by more than 75% in the next 5 years. These aging baby boomers will want more interactive technology, services and involvement in the library and it is imperative that librarians plan for the future. Cuneo recommends the following:
-Public librarians need to be trained in the study of gerontology. “Understanding the needs of an older person is key to providing services.”
-A partnership of local organizations and businesses is essential
-Grant and government funds must be obtained to put various aspects of services in place before the population is too large
-Public libraries should aggressively use senior citizens as volunteers
-Public libraries need to market their senior services and act soon in order to become an essential part of the information needs of their residents, or someone else will
It is an interesting perspective on library services and one that in so many areas the library needs to attain to. Run the library like a business but don’t forget the business that you are in- serving people of all ages and abilities with what they need.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment