Library Leaders Issue Report on Serving Older Adults

-- Library Journal, 4/20/2006

A new report from Americans for Libraries Council (ALC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) offers guidance and examples of model programs for public libraries interested in connecting these active older adults to new opportunities for learning, work, and community service. Designs for Change: Libraries and Productive Aging gathers insights from a day-and-a-half-long Library Leaders Forum, held September 26-27, 2005, in Washington, DC.

"Libraries have the potential to make the process of re-imagining and revision possible," said Mary Catherine Bateson, anthropologist, author, and one of the forum's featured speakers. A theme throughout the forum was the need to rethink stereotypes of aging and to find new ways in which libraries can connect older adults to opportunities that benefit both individuals and their communities. "The discussion at the forum was greatly enriched by leaders from complementary fields including social work, gerontology, and education," said Gloria Coles, ALC's National Lifelong Access Director. The Leaders Forum is part of ALC's Lifelong Access Libraries, an initiative to advance a new model for library services focused on active, engaged older adults. Hard copies may be obtained directly from ALC by calling 646-336-6236.