Public libraries throughout Australia face an imminent ‘age wave’ as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. Retirees and older people have traditionally been an important target market for public libraries [people over the age of 65 use libraries 5 times as often as the rest of us]. The impact of a greatly increased proportion of older people in local communities will be an important consideration in library planning, facility design, resourcing, marketing strategies, the development of strategic partnerships and staffing.
Some of these issues are considered in
Active, engaged, valued: Older people and NSW Public Libraries a publication I’ve been working on that is now available via the State Library website at:
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/pls/publications/pdf/active_engaged_valued.pdf
Are there any research projects, blogs, etc. looking at the issues? Does anyone have a perspective on ‘future proofing’ public libraries in Australia?
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July 17, 2006 at 13:31
i recall seeing a powerpoint of research into seniors use of ICT and libraries somewhere…im trying to locate it now, I think one of the researchers wass Dr Kirsty Williamson of Monash…
the gist was that current library planning for the future might have some wrong assumptions about the coming wave of seniors…they will see the library as a focus for recreation and running small businesses (?) using the electronic resources available…they are very aware of technology (having used it extensively in their working lives)and will expect to see it in the library
i think it was a qualitative survey…
July 17, 2006 at 13:37
I am currently reading this paper by Benzie, M(2002), Public Libraries response to changing demographics in Western Australia. It provides an overall view of how the public libraries in WA are responding to the changing demographics. Cheers.
July 17, 2006 at 13:37
found it:
When I’m 64: The public library after the retirement of the baby boomers’.
In Proceedings of Research Applications in Information and Library Studies (RAILS) Conference, held at the National Library of Australia, 17-18 September 2005. Wagga Wagga: Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University. In press.
http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/research/groups/itnr/publications/categories/older-bb.html
July 17, 2006 at 13:43
oh sorry, i didnt read your refs before i posted…how embarrassment:)