I see this as an opportunity to help educate our patrons, start giving them an idea of the positive effects of the tools we use, the tools they can use, so they aren't as put off by the drawbacks of technology. I mentioned in the meeting today the computer classes we offer, and the positive experiences that come out of those. What else can we do to bridge that gap? I encourage you to check out a video on our website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhw-qIRWld0. Rita Gretschmann came up with a great idea of the use for the multimedia macs that allow her to have more contact with her grandchildren. What other advantages of the library can we show other patrons who feel left out? How can we train them to participate comfortably? Mollie wanted some ideas about technology being used to enhance programming and I feel this fits right into that same stream of thought. Lets hear what you guys have to say.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
How do libraries meet the needs of our 50+ year old patrons?
Aesta pointed out one of the great challenges that face libraries today. This certainly pertains the adult services aspect of our group so we can have this conversation easily without bringing in the technology aspect. However I do see the two as connected. Many of our older patrons that I've talked to seem put off by technological advances in the library world from the online catalog to the self check out machines. Whenever we adopt any technology there are positive and negative consequences and in this case perhaps some of our loyal patrons may feel left behind, that the library isn't as friendly a place as they remember. At the same time it isn't just the library that goes through technological overhauls, it is the entire world.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Our older patrons learn best from instructors they can relate to. I think the best way to reach this segment is to have older computer instructors. These instructors understand what it is like to be "of a certain age" in this technologically-oriented world and fumble around on a computer.
I remember an older staff person, now retired, who had quite a loyal following in her senior computer classes. When she left, our senior patrons were lost. Although an attempt was made to bridge the gap with other very competent instructors, they were young.
Some of our older patrons were ok with it, some did not like it at all and were quite vocal about it. They felt safe with an instructor that was their peer. Some patrons were just too intimidated by the younger instructors who spoke too fast, used too many "techie" words, made assumptions that these patrons "should already know this," or felt the patrons should be faster learners. Sometimes the older patrons were too spooked to speak up and ask questions for fear of coming across as, well, "too old."
I think offering senior classes taught by senior peers would be one way of drawing our valuable older patrons back into the library and helping them transition comfortably and confidently into our high-tech environment.
I think it is very important to remember that "older" is a broad term covering many different age groups. (Frankly to many teens…I am “older” even though I am not yet 40). As libraries we serve the WWII generation, who may struggle with technology, and be put off a bit by things like the self check machines etc.
However, the Boomers are just now starting to retire. Many have worked for years with computers and with technical jobs.
I have done quite a bit of research on the Boomer generation since they are the largest age group we serve next to the Millennials. This group differs quite a bit from the WWII generation, and the services we provide will need to match their interests. Second careers, volunteering, civic engagement are all very important to this group. Health and personal finance will also be key. I the public library is poised to provide exactly what Boomers are looking for...we just need to market to them.
Information and research on this age group is abundant...you can even search our website for "calling all Boomers" for information put together by Linda Downs AST.
But the real question remains…as a public institution…how do we best serve from cradle to grave? Unlike most companies who can market to 1-2 audiences…we serve them all. What is the best balance? Interesting to think about!
I'm leaving a non-comment to fulfill my assignment. This is all too interesting...
Post a Comment