Senior Services Today: A Practical Guide for Librarians

Brook draws from her experience working with older adults (or seniors) as a library assistant to identify ways to better serve them. In eight chapters, she identifies common values among older adults while addressing such pertinent topics as engaging older adults, marketing to them, and ensuring that technology is accessible to them. Brooks offers examples of programs that librarians can put into practice right away, including book clubs, senior proms, and programming related to film, oral history, gaming, and genealogy. A common theme throughout the book is the importance of collaboration with existing community partnerships and senior organizations to create exemplary programs and services. Acknowledging that older adults are not a uniform group, Brooks also includes a chapter on demographic differences within this group. The result is a comprehensive guide that will help libraries provide excellent service to a growing and significant demographic.