More than a few large print books

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More than a few large print books:
Baby Boomers public libraries and lifelong learning.
A report completed by Lesley Fell for the
Margery C. Ramsey Scholarship 2007
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More than a few large print books:
Baby Boomers public libraries and lifelong learning.
CONTENTS
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1. Acknowledgements
3
2. Introduction
4
3. The who, what, when and where in the USA
8
4. Lessons learned and where to from here?
26
5. Conclusion
33
2
Acknowledgements
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My thanks to the Library Board of Victoria, and the selection panel for awarding
me the Margaret C Ramsey Scholarship 2007. This has been a wonderful
opportunity to pursue an idea and to share the discoveries and knowledge across
the profession. Thank you for the ongoing support extended to public libraries in
Victoria and for the recognition of the need for professional development.
I would also like to extend heart felt thanks to the City of Monash for supporting
my application for this scholarship and providing staffing support during my
absence.
Thanks also must go to my Manager, Jenny Ruffy, for her support of my
application and her assistance in preparation of this report.
3
More than a few large print books:
Baby Boomers public libraries and lifelong learning.
Introduction
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I’ve watched my parents age, go into a retirement village, my family discover the
need for nursing homes and it occurred to me that, as a baby boomer, I am going
to expect much more than a cup of instant coffee and a sing along around the
piano! I am going to want good coffee, gourmet food, high speed internet access,
the latest releases, to engage socially and intellectually in my community …. and
I am going to want it all NOW!
I then started to think about what my relationship with my local library might be as
I age, and my topic was born – “More than a few large print books – Baby
Boomers, public libraries and lifelong learning”.
Baby Boomers, and this report uses Dr Kirsty Williamson’s age definition as
those born between 1946 – 1965, are coming in for a great deal criticism as the
first of us begin to retire – we will be a drain on the social security system, we will
be a drain on the health system, we haven’t saved for our retirement.
Australian literature reveals theoretical information regarding numbers and
characteristics of the baby boomer cohort, particularly recent research carried out
by Dr Kirsty Williamson, et. al. 1 The initial Williamson study (2005) refers to a
cohort, because Baby Boomers are by no means a homogeneous group. The
study provides analysis of characteristics of the Baby Boomers and indications of
what they might expect from their public libraries.
General characteristics of the baby boomer cohort:
• Well educated, technological literate, generally wealthier than previous
generations but many have worked full-time so have always been timepoor
• Will still want hard copy but as “voracious consumers of information”
(Hugh McKay) will want access to electronic information
• Always get into the latest thing so have high expectations, will want
efficient and prompt service – wanting it now!
• Financial position varies depending on whether they are leading edge
(affluent, able to get it now) or trailing edge (less affluent, possibly female)
boomers
1
‘When I’m 64’: the public library after the retirement of the baby boomers (2005)
Kirsty Williamson, Marion Bannister, Lynne Makin, Graeme Johanson, Don Schauder and Jen Sullivan1
Monash University
4
•
•
•
•
•
•
Many will want/need to keep working, will be semi-retired or in “transition”
stage
Have high level IT skills, IT savvy; much of this skill gained through
education or workplace
Will see libraries as a social hub, a neutral, non-commercial place
Desire good quality coffee shops co-located with libraries
Desire for clubs in libraries – book, travel, discussion; want informal
learning opportunities
Will be generally healthier than their parents and active for longer
In existing literature a number of issues have been raised for consideration by
public libraries, in relation to Baby Boomers:
• Hobbies & interests of boomers
• Travel factor – the grey nomads phenomenon
• Lifelong learning / partnerships eg. with TAFE, U3A
• Still want books, but want them now
• Equitable access
• ‘transitional phase’ between full-time work and full-time retirement – small
business information
• Technology – remote access, update IT skills, update latest software, who
will troubleshoot IT issues for them?
• Ageing well
• Boomers as Volunteers
• Community engagement –can libraries use their skills?
It became clear that an opportunity existed for an examination of practical
planning and implementation of programs and resources that may address
some/all of these issues. What if public libraries could turn the Baby Boomers
into the solution, rather than the problem? We could take advantage of all that
education, experience and energy harnessing it in a positive way. We could use
it to help us engage Boomers to help provide for other Boomers. In doing so, we
would develop a range of community partnerships that will further enhance
Boomer well being and community engagement.
My research on the topic revealed that a number of American libraries are doing
just this.
Contact was made with Janice Biggin, recipient of the 2005 Colin Mills
Scholarship in NSW, regarding her visit to public libraries in Phoenix, Arizona. I
thought it would be interesting to see where these libraries are situated 3 years
later or towards the end of their initial funding cycle. Further research revealed
the wonderful work being done for, and by, Baby Boomers in public libraries in
the Boston area of Massachusetts.
Attendance at the PLA 2008 Annual Conference in Minneapolis was an added
bonus – 10,000 librarians gathered together to talk about public libraries was
5
truly amazing and the “comforting” thing is that the issues are the same
worldwide. There was discussion about dealing with cranky customers, helping
new migrants to learn English, community engagement, libraries as community
hubs …. the list goes on.
Public Libraries in the United States are receiving assistance to develop their
service to Baby Boomers, in the form of funding and training, from a number of
national organizations.
A visionary example of this is Civic Ventures, founded in 1998 by social
entrepreneur and author Marc Freedman, works to define the second half of
adult life as a time of individual and social renewal. This organization is leading
the call to engage millions of Baby Boomers as a vital workforce for change.
Through an inventive program portfolio, original research, strategic alliances, and
the power of people’s own life stories, Civic Ventures demonstrates the value of
experience in solving serious social problems – from education to the
environment and health care to homelessness.
Civic Ventures has established an initiative, The Next Chapter, which provides
directions and connections for people who want to make a difference in their
second half of life. Local Next Chapter projects have been established in dozens
of cities across the US offering expertise and assistance to community groups,
working to help individuals set a course, connect with peers and get involved in
significant service work.
A number of the libraries visited in Phoenix are involved in community projects
that have been funded as Next Chapter projects. These include the City of
Scottsdale in Arizona - Scottsdale Boomerz, Chandler Public Library Boomerang and Tempe Connections.
From a purely library perspective assistance is coming from Libraries for the
Future (formerly known as Americans for Libraries Council) via Lifelong Access
Libraries, a new model for library services to older adults. According to Libraries
for the Future:
“hanging a sign for “seniors” won’t work for this generation, who are
healthier, more active, and more committed to community service than
their elders. By providing connections to meaningful work, creative
retirement, and lifelong learning, public libraries can recharge themselves,
millions of individuals, and all our communities”. 2
Lifelong Access Libraries is a multi-year, national initiative, running annual
Institutes that aim to transform libraries into centers of lifelong learning and civic
engagement for active older adults. These Institutes assemble leading experts in
diverse areas of creative aging – from anthropology to neuroscience – to spark
creative thinking on the most effective ways for libraries to connect older adults to
2
http://www.lifelonglibraries.org/index.php
6
opportunities for personal and community renewal. Library staff apply to attend
and become “fellows” on completion of their training.
“Lifelong Fellows are pioneers in their profession,” said Diantha Dow
Schull, director of the national Lifelong Access Libraries Initiative. “Just as
it took dedicated professionals to institutionalize library services for
children ….. so we now need professionals dedicated to bringing about
change in the ways that librarians work with mid-life adults”. 3
Amongst the libraries visited a number of staff had attended these Institutes and
are Lifelong Access Fellows committed to serving the needs of older adults in
their communities.
It became clear that libraries and librarians visited are passionate and dedicated
to providing for the needs of an ageing population, specifically Baby Boomers.
They are using volunteers in a variety of ways, both traditional and innovative,
offering an amazing variety of programs. They are forming partnerships with a
range of community organisations but all were doing one common and significant
thing – finding ways to meet the needs of an ageing population.
According to the 2006 Census data 26% of adults in the City of Monash are Baby
Boomers, figures that are consistent with those for the state of Victoria and for
Melbourne. The challenge for us in the City of Monash, is to find ways to do the
same.
3
http://www.lifelonglibraries.org/documents/2008LifelongInstitutePressRelease.pdf
7
More than a few large print books:
Baby Boomers public libraries and lifelong learning.
The who, what, when and where in the USA
_______________________________________________________
American Public Library Association Annual Conference – Minneapolis
(25-29 March 2008)
Whilst the conference didn't focus specifically on issues relating to this topic it
was like too good an opportunity to miss as it served to enhance my knowledge
of the current US profession and current trends.
As with all conferences it was a “mixed bag” but I have to say over 10,000
public librarians all in the same place was truly amazing! (terrifying??) It is
strangely reassuring to hear the same issues being discussed around the world
eg. dealing with cranky customers, recruiting and keeping good staff, delivering
programs on a limited budget, community engagement and much more.
A major highlight of the conference was a session run by local
Minneapolis practitioners on 3 different models for helping adult migrants to learn
English. Two of the models rely heavily on volunteers to deliver the programs.
1. Franklin Learning Center
This centre is in Minneapolis and is part on the Hennepin County Library network.
It has a dedicated library space. Part of library operations and relies on a
combination of paid teachers and volunteers, with no requirement for formal
assessment. The programs have a high African uptake.
The Franklin Learning Center is open 40 hours per week / 6 days per week and
used over 100 volunteers. Volunteer tutors are given 12 hours of training and are
college students, retirees. The Center runs classes on learning English, typing,
Word, resumes, tax, voting and other life skills. They also run Learning Circles
using a locally produced newsletter as the basis for discussion (an example of
Civic Engagement which is a strong emphasis in US public libraries)
2. Minnesota Literacy Council
The MLC runs a program in the library as a tenant of the library, in a dedicated
space. A combination of funding, including grants, state and federal and relies on
paid teachers and volunteers. Funding sources require formal assessment.
There is a high East African uptake of the courses.
3. Partnership model
This is with local schools at satellite sites. Federal and state funding and uses a
paid teacher. Funding sources require formal assessment.
8
A number of great ideas came out of a session called "Sexy Senior
programming", a title that got everyone’s attention! The emphasis was on older
adults, rather than Baby Boomers but there were some excellent ideas,
including Laughter Clubs and taking regular storytime sessions “on the road” and
holding them at Seniors Clubs and care facilities.
Several sessions on the program discussed adults and gaming (console rather
than PC games) and stressed the fact that public libraries are "Community
Technology Centres" whether we like it or not!
There seemed to be a great emphasis on “civic engagement” and public libraries
in the US. Often when there is a controversy in the community the local library
will organize a forum on the topic with community leaders, local identities as
guest speakers. Apparently they can be quite “lively” sessions!
1. Arizona State Library, Phoenix, Arizona (31 March 2008)
Initial contact in Arizona was
made with Joan Clark, now
Deputy Director of Operations
& Planning, Arizona State
Library, Archives and Public
Records (ASLAPR). Joan was
able to suggest libraries and
projects worthy of visiting as
part of the tour. An invitation
was also extended to visit the
Library Development Division,
which sits in the ASLAPR, of
the Arizona State Library. This
proved most interesting. The
offices are situated in the
Evans House. Built in 1893, it’s one of only two Queen Anne-Victorian homes still
standing in Phoenix.
A range of staff were present and GladysAnn Wells, the Director, called in over
lunch. Whilst not specifically related to the Baby Boomer topic of the tour it was
valuable to gain an overview of some of the projects and issues concerning the
development of public libraries across the state of Arizona.
Different to the State Library of Victoria’s Reading Victoria, but with a similar
overall aim, they have a terrific project underway - ONEBOOKAZ, an exciting
program that began in 2002 and is still going strong. It is designed to bring
communities together through literature. Beginning in April every year, this
program encourages communities across the State of Arizona to read the same
book at the same time and participate in discussions and programs centered
9
around that book. One title is chosen for adults to read, and one title is chosen
for children.
The goals of ONEBOOKAZ are:
•
To celebrate literature in the State of Arizona by encouraging the reading
and exploration of a book.
• To foster a sense of community through the shared experience of reading
the same book, discussing themes and involving participants in the
statewide events connected with the book.
• To bring people together through public programs such as book discussions,
author readings and signing events, panel discussions, traveling
presentations, and special events.
• To nurture partnerships between libraries, schools, museums, other allied
institutions, the media, commercial vendors, the authors and the public.
As Arizona prepares for its Centennial in 2012 all books chosen, from 2007
through to 2012, centre on Arizona topics and themes.
Staff were also busy discussing grant applications (some things are the same
everywhere) which had raised an interesting dilemma. A women’s organisation
had applied for a grant but staff were uncertain of the legalities of funding an
organization that didn’t allow men to participate. The organization was the Jewell
McFarland Lewis - Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center, which opened in
October of 2002, is the first comprehensive, self-help centre for women in the
country. The Centre is designed for women ages 18 years or older who are
seeking information, resources and assistance in their quest for emotional and
financial independence. There are no qualifying criteria to be met before women
can obtain assistance at the centre.
Upon returning to Australia, further contact with Joan Clark revealed the outcome
of the dilemma. The project, to pay for a catalogue system and some materials
was eventually funded for $10,000. They have a small library that is open to any
women who comes to the building. Only women are allowed beyond the lobby
unless [men] are signed in and accompanied by someone.
A tour of the Arizona equivalent of our Vision Australia service was offered –
comparatively a huge service, as was a visit to one of the original Carnegie
Libraries, opened in 1908 and served at the public library until 1953. When it was
being used as a library it had a small room in the basement that was lined with
zinc. Apparently all books were put in there when returned to kill the germs.
Perhaps this is an idea worth revisiting! It is now a multi-use library facility, used
for training, public programs, now housing the very impressive Arizona Women’s
Hall of Fame, paying tribute to the diverse women who have helped shape the
state's history.
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2. Scottsdale Public Library System, Phoenix, Arizona (1 April 2008)
Scottsdale Public Library comprises
4 libraries serving approximately
222,000 residents. The largest
CALD group is of Hispanic or Latino
origin and there are 106.600 aged
45 and over.
Scottsdale Public Library is involved in the community-wide partnership of
Scottsdale Boomerz, a Next Chapter program, established with a grant from the
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The program is designed to develop Baby
Boomer involvement in non-profit community organisations as volunteers, to
provide opportunities for social networking, re-careering, and programs for
lifelong learning.
The status of Scottsdale Boomerz has recently changed to that of a formal nonprofit organisation with a Board of Directors, rather than the previous Advisory
Board. Partnerships have been formed with non-profits, schools, government
organisations, Scottsdale Community College and Scottsdale Healthcare, service
clubs, Chambers of Commerce.
Volunteers in the library
Scottsdale Boomerz is the inspiration for the Library’s ReVentures where Kathy
Coster, Library Manager for Innovation, is a leader in the field of innovative ways
to engage Boomers as volunteers. As with all libraries visited there is a strong
belief that Boomers want to apply their experience, to be engaged in good work,
in tasks that use their existing skills. Kathy Coster’s experience indicates that if
we can engage Boomers they will be ardent lifelong supporters of our libraries.
Boomers are a diverse group, many of them used to managing – these skills can
be harnessed to develop project based volunteer opportunities which Boomers
can manage. This building of relationships with volunteers takes time and energy,
in recruiting “activists not volunteers” as Kathy puts it, in working with them to
11
develop projects. At over 250 volunteers, whose time is valued at $250,000 per
year, ReVentures is certainly working at Scottsdale Public Library.
Displays at Scottsdale’s
Arabian Library
Volunteers are engaged in an incredible range of projects and activities at
Scottsdale Public Library:
• As with most of the libraries visited, Scottsdale libraries don’t just have a
book sale trolley tucked away in the corner. They have small shops or
booths at the front of the building, managed by volunteers.
• Boomer volunteers weed parts of the collection, under supervision of
professional librarians, in areas where they have expertise.
• They are also used to tidy collections and for merchandising.
• Triage – volunteers greet visitors to the library and filter initial queries.
They answer simple directional questions, or direct information questions
to the librarians at the Information Desk.
• Library Advocates for Business – a new initiative using volunteers to go
out to local businesses and advocate on behalf of the library service.
• Storytime Volunteer Corps - help comes in the form of group storytimes for
children ages 0 – 5 and more informal type of help provided through
assistance with selecting books or help as requested by customers while
the volunteers are roving through the Youth Room.
The Library develops specific position descriptions for these volunteer roles, and
they are very specific about the time commitment required by the roles.
Extensive training is also provided.
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3. City of Tempe Library, Phoenix, Arizona (2 April 2008)
A single library serving a population
of approximately 170,000 residents
Tempe Library is the home of Tempe Connections, a project funded by a grant
from a local philanthropic organisation – Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust,
affectionately referred to as “Aunt Virginia”!
The total grant was for 3 years and was $547,000.00.
Approximately
$250,000.00 was expended for construction of the cafe space and the purchase
of equipment and furniture. The remainder of the money was for salary,
programs, etc.
The grant has enabled:
• the employment of a project coordinator in a paid position. Rebecca
Bond is from a social work background, not a library background.
• the establishment the Connections Café, with paid staff, in a lovely space
at the rear of the library. Baby Boomers are their target demographic but
all welcome, as it wouldn’t survive as a business otherwise.
• The establishment of a large activity room, fully wired for audio-visual
and computers
• the development of a broad range of programs for Baby Boomers,
including programs to help Baby Boomers transition from full-time work to
retirement or part-time work
The initial grant has been expended and Tempe Connections is currently
operating on the cafe revenue plus additional funds from the Friends of the
Library. The Friends of the Tempe Library board has voted to sustain the
program and cafe and are in the midst of a fund-raising strategic plan. The
13
potential future success of this strategy is yet to be tested, but the coordinator
believes the City of Tempe may be open in the future to absorbing the program,
but they have not yet committed to that. She believes that will be the only viable
method to sustain the program.
Tempe Connections cafe
The demographic in Tempe is well educated Baby Boomers who want to
continue learning. As volunteers they seek recognition and want to be part of the
team. The grant has also enabled stipend money to be paid to “volunteers” who
work above and beyond what could be reasonably expected from a volunteer.
Rebecca was very passionate in her belief that it is essential to form partnerships
with other organisations to develop and sustain programs. A terrific example of
this is Academic Connections, a partnership between Tempe Connections, The
ASU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and the Emeritus College of Arizona State
University. These are university quality courses taught by noted professors from
ASU’s Emeritus College, ASU faculty, and talented community instructors who
bring a lifetime’s worth of experience and knowledge to the classroom. Ten
wide-ranging four week courses, as well as numerous lecture series, are offered
each semester.
Academic Connections
14
A potential drawback is that Tempe Connections has no choice in what is offered
as the “curriculum” is decided by the professors, who are paid $1,000 per course
from the grant money. Courses are free to Baby Boomers at present.
Other programming for Baby Boomers at Tempe Connections provides an
incredible range, many aimed at assisting Boomers transition from full-time work
to retirement or part-time work. Under a broad heading of Life Planning they offer:
• Individual sessions – The "New" Retirement
For a fee, Boomers can spend 3 sessions with a discovery guide who will
help them decide where they want to channel their energy for a fulfilling
retirement by focusing on skills, enthusiasms and values.
• Retirement Transition Talks
For those who are recently retired, or thinking about it “The Talk” is an
informal panel discussion about the challenges and opportunities of postcareer life.
The panel of experts includes successful professionals who have made the
leap into retirement and are enjoying active lifestyles full of fun and fulfillment.
They share their personal experiences, tips and techniques for maintaining
social connections, engaging in the community, and finding purpose and
meaning in a post-career life. Attendees have a chance to ask questions,
share ideas, and meet new people who are committed to reinvention and
renewal in the second half of life.
Also on offer at Tempe Connections:
• Socrates Cafe
A lively philosophy discussion group, Socrates Cafe is an opportunity for
participants to define issues, identify assumptions, evaluate options, test
beliefs and find ethical solutions through the discussion of problems ranging
from the personal and local to the universal and global.
• Café Scientifique
Café Scientifique is a free series of informal talks sponsored by Tempe
Connections and presented by leading experts from Arizona State University.
This is an opportunity for Boomers to join thought-provoking community
conversations on the environmental issues facing Arizonans.
General community volunteer opportunities:
• Experience Corps.
This award-winning program engages people over 55 in meeting their
communities' greatest challenges. Today, in 19 cities across the country,
2,000 Experience Corps members tutor and mentor elementary school
students struggling to learn to read. Independent research shows that
Experience Corps boosts student academic performance, helps schools and
15
youth-serving organizations become more successful, and enhances the wellbeing of the older adults in the process.
The Experience Corps program in Tempe is hosted by the City of Tempe
Community Services Department, Social Services Division, sponsored by The
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. Adults ages 50+ work with struggling
students at four Tempe Elementary School District sites, providing literacy
tutoring in kindergarten through third grade. Tutoring one-on-one occurs
during the school day at three sites and during the Kid Zone after school
enrichment program at two sites. Tutors are community members who have
expressed an interest and willingness to make a difference in a child's life.
Currently there are thirty six members.
• Talent Connections
Funded by a grant of the National Council on Aging as a “Model of Significant
Service,”
Tempe Connections is seeking to educate selected non-profits and City of
Tempe departments about the value and experience of retired adults, to identify
higher level volunteer and paid positions and/or projects that utilize the skills
and experience of older workers, and to recruit skilled adults who are interested
in new service opportunities, part-time or flexible employment and one-time or
short-term projects and connect them with identified positions and/or projects.
4. Chandler Public Library, Phoenix, Arizona (3 April 2008)
Four libraries serving an
estimated population in 2007 of
249,056 people.
Chandler Public Library has been home to Boomerang: coming back to see
what’s next, a Next Chapter initiative. They received a grant of US$209,310 and
the program was designed to assist Baby Boomers to address lifelong learning,
civic engagement, life planning, re-careering and wellness. The vision was to
create a community rather than a single venue. The grant, from the Virginia G.
16
Piper Charitable Trust, enabled a number of Chandler community organizations
to come together in partnership.
Boomerang has been coordinated by a non-library “boomer”, Anne Christensen
and has enormous support and involvement from the very dynamic Kris Sherman,
Assistant Library Director, so the Library has always been very involved in the
community partnership. The initial trust funding period is concluding, so
coordination has recently become a part-time position employed by the Library.
The position will take a role of overseeing/coordinating Adult Programming
across the 4 locations, with Boomers still very much in the mix.
As Anne comments:
“with the knowledge I have gained from doing programming for
Boomerang, that will be translated to Adult Programs for the library and
since I like to come in, get the job done and move on, the 10 hours will just
compliment how I like to work. I also like living what I preach, so as a
Boomer, I am living the lifestyle I have been talking about.”
Boomerang offers a broad range of events that are well attended by a keen
following in the community. The promotional material is very high quality and
events are widely publicised, including a mention in the Sept-Oct 2007 edition of
AARP magazine (American Association of Retired Persons).
At the Library there is a sandwich shop, run by Friends of the Chandler Public
Library, which is co-located with the Council Chambers. Boomerang holds
lunchtime programs, in the Council Chambers, from 11:30-12:30 on a timely topic.
Drawing on the downtown city and library workers as well as the community,
people can eat their lunch and enjoy the program.
Topics for these lunchtime sessions have included "Writing Children's Books" by
a local author and "Japanese American Baseball in Arizona" by a local baseball
historian talking about the World War II Japanese internment camps south of
Chandler. Anne coordinates the topics to themes adults would find current and
interesting, that are “in tune” with what is happening in the community or
nationally. For example, the autumn programs will be targeted to topics around
the national election.
Central to the success of Boomerang has been the Boomerang Advisory
Network, which meets to recommend and discuss programs, offer peer
suggestions and network for business and pleasure.
17
Pages café at Chandler Public Library (run by the Friends of the Library)
General community volunteer opportunities include an online “Experience Bank”
for volunteer to enter their profile. They may then be notified of a range of
volunteer opportunities that match their backgrounds and interests.
Boston & northern Massachusetts
5. Newton Free Library, Boston (7 April 2008)
A single library serving a
population of 80,000 people
(Considered part of the Boston
metropolitan area)
At Newton Free Library, Carol Greenfield is president and founder of Discovering
What’s Next® - revitalizing retirement. Carol is an absolute dynamo who
established this program as a Baby Boomer volunteer herself – she believed it
was a project that needed doing so went about it herself!
Further contact with Carol since returning to Australia has revealed that there is
now a paid half-time position as Executive Director. This is a wonderful
development and an endorsement of the program. It says much for the
community’s belief that the project is of high value to them. Carol’s comment is
that she’s now fundraising to pay for it – not her favourite task!
Carol had the foresight to set up Discovering What’s Next (DWN) as a formal
non-profit organization to assist Baby Boomers and older adults with managing
the next stage in life. Whether it is seeking volunteer opportunities, re-careering,
public speaking opportunities to share knowledge and experience, transitioning
18
to retirement or lifelong learning, DWN supports this range of life options. As a
formal non-profit organization DWN is able to seek tax deductible donations from
the community and local business.
Discovering What’s Next has a separate space assigned within the library
building but runs independently of the library. In this space Boomers will find
computers, easy chairs, a vast range of literature relating to DWN’s mission to
assist them and Transition Navigators™, Boomer volunteers who come in to
assist with programming and running 1-on-1 sessions and small group sessions.
Programs offered through DWN include:
• Forums on topics of interest to Baby Boomers covering such things as age
in the workplace, leaving a personal legacy
• Transition Talks® – facilitated discussion groups to exchange information,
discuss challenges and build networks. These are held in afternoon and
evening sessions.
• MeetingUPs are informal discussion sessions facilitated by members of
the DNW volunteer community. Topics have included downsizing and job
searching.
The programs have been hugely successful with many high profile speakers. An
unexpected outcome of the program was the development of a Men’s Group that
has been running for three and a half years, having been established by a
volunteer.
Other Special Interest Groups that have formed include a Travel Club and a Film
Discussion Club. Once formed these groups are self-directed.
6. Boston Public Library, Boston (8 April 2008)
Boston Public Library – the old …..
…. and the new!
19
Carol Greenfield is also working at Boston Public Library in a paid position,
running How can I afford retirement – investor education at Boston Public Library.
This is a non-commercial program funded by a grant from the Investor Protection
Trust. The sessions are free, and are in tightly controlled parameters according
to the source of funding and the partners involved. For example business people
running sessions as volunteers may not promote their own business in any way,
may not hand out their business cards at the end and may not deliver services to
attendees for a set period of time.
Topics include:
• Taking the mystery out of retirement planning
• Closing the gap: investment and expense strategies – even for late
starters!
• Investing wisely to avoid the financial risk of longer life expectancy
• Protecting your investments – the best defense is a wise and safe investor
Following each forum small group discussions are facilitated to follow up on
issues raised during the general sessions.
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7. Reading Public Library, Northern Massachusetts (10 April 2008)
Reading Public Library:
A single library, serving a
population of approximately
23,700 residents.
Livewires program:
Livewires is a program established with a grant and run by the library, using
library staff. Baby Boomers have a very different perspective on their lifelong
learning in the Reading area. When asked they made it clear generally that they
weren’t interested in volunteering as such, they want to be entertained. This is
interesting as Reading is geographically quite close to Newton Free Library
where the volunteering ethic is so strong.
Whilst the funding was available Livewires ran lifelong learning activities such as
book and film discussions with facilitators who were life coaches and therapists
to lead discussion. Coffee and cake sessions designed to assist boomers, who
have worked all their lives, with social networking opportunities were also
organised.
A separate Livewires collection was established to support the programs – 51%
was out on loan at any one time. Now the funding is at an end the programs will
be merged into general adult programs, although some are still being advertised
under the Livewires banner.
The separate Livewires collection has also been interfiled with adult non-fiction
and circulation has dropped to 27% on loan.
An email distribution list was used to promote events but also to seek feedback,
ideas and opinions when planning new programs. The staff commented that they
wished they had set up a Livewires blog at the beginning of the project.
Volunteers at Reading Public Library:
Although Boomers had advised that they were not interested in volunteering in
the wider community, the library still has many volunteers that they use in a
variety of traditional ways. Adults, often retired or older people, undertake a
range of tasks including covering books, indexing the local newspapers, shelf
21
reading, leading book discussion groups, delivering books to senior centres and
to individuals who are home-bound, and running the library’s bookstore.
As well as these regular volunteers the Library has a number of “on call”
volunteers who assist with special events such as the library’s annual Open Day.
Volunteers are not recruited, indeed there is a waiting list of those wanting to
help out in the library. All are police checked and interviewed prior to being
allocated to work with a staff member.
Netguides:
The Library also has teenage “Netguides” who are high school students
specifically trained, by library staff, to provide assistance to people using the
library computers. Generally, netguides provide one on one computer tutoring,
although some also help out by providing support to the instructor for computer
classes. Help is available on topics such as Word, Excel, digital cameras, basic
internet, basic computing and email.
8. Chelmsford Public Library, Northern Massachusetts (10 April 2008)
Two libraries serving a
population of approximately
40,000 residents.
Chelmsford has an incredibly dynamic librarian, Kathy Cryan-Hicks, in charge of
programs. Whilst most are not specifically targeted at Baby Boomers this cohort
is very well represented amongst the attendees. This visit was fascinating from
and adult programming perspective and the incredible range of programs for
lifelong learning being offered in the libraries. These include:
• “Creative” series where people can try out new art mediums / styles. Local
artists were used to run sessions.
• Alternative Health Expo: this involved local businesses attending and they
were then asked if they would then be willing to be part of a free lecture /
demonstration series at a later date. Most were happy to participate. This
lead to a series of programs called “Wednesday Wellness”.
22
•
Adult Education Expo: local adult education providers were invited along
to promote their courses to the local community. This also assisted the
library to be seen as a centre for adult learning.
Chelmsford Public Library:
Adult Education Expo
•
•
•
•
World Wide Wednesdays @ Chelmsford – 6 world music concerts held
over summer in the grounds of the library. The idea is to bring a rug and a
picnic tea and enjoy the music. They are very popular events.
First Sundays classical music series.
Conversation Circles, in French, Spanish and English. All were lead by
volunteers.
Community star parties (astronomy not Paris Hilton!), telescope
workshops, kite building workshops followed by a community kite fly
For successful programming Kathy Cryan-Hicks has simple rules – research your
community, collaborate and form partnerships with other groups and “do it better
next time” – evaluation is the key to ongoing success.
Kathy’s advice is that “we, as library staff, are in a good position to perceive
trends, issues and concerns in a community by paying attention to the types of
requests and questions we get from our public. If you look closely, in every
question there’s a library program!”
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9. Peabody Institute Library, Northern Massachusetts (11 April 2008)
Three libraries
serving a population
of almost 52,000
residents.
PrimeTime Peabody was a year-long series of programs hosted by the Peabody
Institute Library. The programs were designed to respond to the lifelong
educational, recreational and cultural needs and interests of the diverse and
growing community of active, older adults in Peabody. PrimeTime Peabody was
funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The grant
was for a total of US$7,500, which the Library chose to spend entirely on
programs, and has now come to an end.
The Peabody Institute seems to have had a very different experience to other
libraries in the northern Massachuestts area. Gerri Guyote, Assistant Director,
commented that Baby Boomers in her area did not want to “volunteer” but rather
were far more interested in lifelong learning, in music, learning I.T. and being
entertained generally. The planning for this program was launched at Creative
Café, a meeting of community members and library staff to identify programs in
the areas outlined by Gerri. A dynamic program of events was created, featuring
music performances, arts & crafts workshops, author lectures and I.T. training.
Gerri also commented that Boomers, in line with their desire to be entertained,
were not interested in getting together to discuss issues centred around the
concept of ageing well.
24
A tourist in New York
The final highlight of my trip was meeting these guys at New York Public Library.
Donate to the Library in 1987 they are now on permanent display.
25
More than a few large print books:
Baby Boomers public libraries and lifelong learning.
Lessons learned and where to from here?
______________________________________________________
All libraries visited were dedicated to the ideas of community engagement and
lifelong learning, providing a mix of educational programs and social networking
opportunities. Some were involved in wider community partnerships and some
were running discrete library-based programs.
Those projects with a passionate, dedicated person coordinating them seem to
have been the more successful. Where it is being administered by library staff in
addition to their existing work loads, such as those at Reading and Peabody in
Northern Massachusetts, the program lasted for the period of the grant. Once
the grant came to an end the program came to an end. Those projects with a
dedicated coordinator have been able to spend the time investigating ways to
make the project sustainable once the grant comes to an end eg. Tempe
Connections and Chandler Public Library in Arizona.
The broader issues
•
•
•
The ageing of Australia’s population will raise a number if issues
surrounding access and disability. This will require a funding commitment
from all levels of government.
Libraries visited in the US make very strong use of a willing volunteer
population, as do many of their wider communities. They seemed to have
come to terms with the dilemma of paid staff versus use of volunteers. As
already discussed they offer a range of volunteer roles that, in Victoria, are
being undertaken by paid staff. This issue has not been resolved in the
broader context here in Victoria and the US model may not suit the
Victorian public library experience at present.
The use of volunteers to provide for self-help and peer support,
underpinned by the advice and passion of professional library staff, is a
more likely scenario for the Victorian context.
The United States, and its libraries, is taking a pro-active role in
addressing the issues of an ageing population and library access and use.
Again Australian government, at all levels, needs to provide for the training
and recruitment of professional staff to follow the example provided the
US.
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To commence the process of contextualising this research for the City of
Monaash and its public library service the following snapshots are provided:
The City of Monash - a snapshot
•
•
•
The City of Monash is one of Melbourne's most populous municipalities,
with almost 163,000 residents in 82 square kilometres and in Melbourne's
fastest growing population corridor.
The City has a highly skilled and well-educated workforce, with 13%
having a degree or higher education.
Its residents also enjoy a level of home ownership that is considerably
higher than the Melbourne average.
2006 Census data for the City of Monash, compared to the Melbourne Statistical
Division, shows that there was a larger proportion of people born overseas as
well as a larger proportion of people from a non-English speaking background.
• Overall, 39.8% of the population was born overseas (from more than 30
countries), and 34.0% were from a non-English speaking background,
compared with 29.0% and 22.0% respectively for the Melbourne Statistical
Division.
• The dominant non-English speaking country of birth in the City of Monash
was China, where 5.2% of the population, or 8,300 people, were born.
• Other major places of birth are India 2.9% or 4,685 (increasing), Sri Lanka
2.7% or 4,329 (increasing), Greece 3% or 4,867 (decreasing) and
Malaysia 2.9% or 4,620 (increasing).
The age of the Monash population at the 2006 Census shows
• 26% of the population was Baby Boomer age
• predictions for Baby Boomers in 2011 and 2016 are approximately the
same
• 19.6% of the population was aged between 0 and 17, and 21.3% were
aged 60 years and over (compared with 22.9% and 17.0% respectively for
the Melbourne Statistical Division).
Monash Public Library Service – a snapshot
The Library Service consists of 5 branch libraries which, for the 2007 year
• loaned 2,225,940 items
• welcomed 1,021,198 visitors
• scheduled 885 events with 36,072 attendees
• added 39,751 new items to the collection
• responded to 80,320 reference enquiries
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Current services utilised by older adults:
• five Senior’s Internet Clubs, operating at four branches
• A number of Book Clubs with members in the Baby Boomer age range
• Home Library Service deliveries, using volunteer drivers provided by the
Monash Volunteer Resource Centre (MVRC). These deliveries are to the
frail and incapacitated who are unable to physically access the library.
• One-on-one selection and delivery of resources by volunteers, again
provided by MVRC. This service is offered to the frail and incapacitated
who are unable to physically access the library.
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that Baby Boomers make up a large part of
attendances at general adult programs and events.
What is feasible?
To establish the feasibility of a Baby Boomer project at Monash requires:
•
•
Staff consultation, especially regarding use of volunteers – run some
sessions based around the “If we had more time/expertise we would …..?”
This is timely as MPLS is about to start work on a new Library Services
Plan. This concept can be part of the staff consultation process.
Community consultation - focus groups with Baby Boomers to get to know
our community better. We need to establish what it is that Boomers want
from us; the services they expect; the services they would use; would they
potentially be interested in volunteer opportunities
Assuming there is interest from Baby Boomers and staff we need to:
•
•
•
•
A project Champion is advised. There is a need to Develop a proposal to
appoint an additional staff member to coordinate the project. A librarian is
needed who is passionate and energetic to motivate and enthuse other
staff
Investigate funding opportunities to assist with establishment of the project.
For example the City of Monash has recently formed a partnership with
State Trustees. This presents an avenue worthy of further investigation.
Harness support and project concepts from other Council departments to
develop the project.
Investigate partnerships and/or support opportunities from local
community organisations.
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Ideas with potential
There are a number of features of the American projects that have potential for
further investigation for Monash Public Library Service. Ideally several of them
would be developed together, with a catchy name to market them.
These include:
•
A Boomer space – while space is at a premium in our libraries, a separate
space, within the library works very effectively in the libraries visited,
particularly at Tempe Connections and Newton Free Library. Whilst these
spaces are not “exclusive” to Baby Boomer use, they do provide a focus
for delivery of programs and services.
The difference with most of the libraries visited in the US is that the main
branches are very large, multi-storey buildings so they have more space
to give to projects such as these.
Currently Glen Waverley Library has a separate training/activities room,
which has a seating capacity of approximately 60 people. This room,
adjacent to the street, is ideally located for developing into a café with
external street access. In the shorter term it has the potential to be
developed into a Boomer “lounge room” as a focus for service and
program delivery to this group.
•
A separate collection – the idea of marketing a separate non-fiction
collection, on issues to do with ageing well, is appealing and is something
to be investigated. This does not necessarily require additional funding – it
is all about channelling some of the library’s existing resources into a
separate collection, available to all, and marketing it as a collection to
assist positive ageing, retirement, financial management etc.
The
experience of the Reading Public Library’s “Livewires” collection proved
the success of this idea, with much higher circulation statistics than for an
integrated collection.
•
A web presence – Given the IT savvy nature of many Baby Boomers this
is a relatively accessible way to provide a service for Baby Boomers. As
with many of the other ideas it requires someone with passion to keep the
information current and useful. The website may include information
pages, blogs, links to useful sites etc
29
http://www.tempeconnections.org/ at Tempe Public Library
http://www.myboomerang.org/# at Chandler Public Library in Phoenix
30
http://www.discoveringwhatsnext.com/ at Newton Free Library in Massachusetts
•
Civic engagement is a feature of library programs in the US – using topics
of current interest or of a controversial nature to generate conversation
and discussion, either in a forum or in Conversation Circles.
In 2005 MPLS hosted a series of Community Conversations involving a
panel of speakers on topics of interest to the local community. They were
very successful at the time and it would be worthwhile developing a series
on topics of interest to Baby Boomers.
•
A range of partnerships to develop programs. The example of the
partnership between Tempe Connections and the Emeritus professors
(called Academic Connections) has many possibilities for the City of
Monash, given we have Monash University as part of the city. In Monash
U3A is another obvious partnership for lifelong learning that should be
developed.
•
A financial management program – these have been very successful in
the US. Those run by Carol Greenfield at Boston Public Library and
Newton Free Library are fine examples of what can be achieved.
These are an opportunity to partner with local businesses to deliver a
range of programs. I met a Boomer volunteer who runs such programs for
Chandler Public Library n Phoenix. He is still running his own business as
a financial planner and when I asked him why he does it, a very simple
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answer came back – “because people need to know”! I think this might be
the sort of project that State Trustees could assist with.
•
The clubs that have been developed out of Discovering What’s Next at
Newton Free Library are worthy of further investigation, particularly the
Travel and Film Discussion Clubs. As with MPLS Book Clubs they have
the potential to be self-managing once established.
Volunteering, in the community and @ the library
Monash Public Library Service must form a more active relationship with
the Monash Volunteer Resource Centre to recruit volunteers for the library
and to promote volunteering generally.
•
In the community
The US has the wonderful “Experience Corps” and some libraries have
links on their websites for those interested in volunteering. Chandler had a
separate site called Experience Bank which performs the same function.
Potential volunteers enter their details and interests into an online form
and possible organisations are provided that might “match” them. These
people could be used for homework help, computer tutoring, learning
English.
It would be great to establish something like this in Monash with the
assistance of service clubs, council departments and other community
groups. This concept could be pursued with the Monash Volunteer
Resource Centre.
•
At the library – look at ways to use volunteers in less traditional roles at
the library. In accordance with what is being achieved at Scottsdale in
Arizona we can use volunteers to assist in the delivery of services and
programs that we could not otherwise provide. As commented previously,
there will need to be care given to ensuring that the balance between staff
in paid employment and using volunteers to develop services and
programs is appropriate to the Australian context.
Given the education, energy and expertise of many Baby Boomers we
need to examine ways to develop a relationship with them.
The education, energy and expertise of Baby Boomers must be developed
to support the ongoing wellbeing and involvement of these vital and
valued members of our community. Such a program will enhance social
cohesion and provide a model for similar programs across the state.
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More than a few large print books:
Baby Boomers public libraries and lifelong learning.
Conclusion
_______________________________________________________
This study tour opened up a world of possibilities, of avenues of exploration for
public libraries in Victoria to develop services and programs to an ageing
population.
From a personal perspective it was inspirational to:
• Meet and speak with some truly passionate people, who are already
achieving this.
• Discover that many of these passionate people who are initiating and
driving projects are Baby Boomers themselves.
• Learn that a number of these libraries are finding ways to sustain their
work with Baby Boomers beyond the initial funding grants.
As previously alluded to, there are a number of issues that governments at all
levels must address if Victorian public libraries are to excel in meeting the needs
of an ageing population. Much of this comes back to funding – for the recruitment
and training of professional staff, and to enable the development of new services
and programs. To repeat the comment by American Diantha Dow Schull, Director
of the National Lifelong Access Libraries Initiative “Just as it took dedicated
professionals to institutionalize library services for children ….. so we now need
professionals dedicated to bringing about change in the ways that librarians work
with mid-life adults”. 4
What was evident is that, even with limited resources, much can be achieved by
library staff who are passionate about their profession. The stimulating and vital
range of programs on offer to Baby Boomers was very impressive and the
challenge now is to apply the knowledge gained to the local context.
Whilst it was enormously valuable to come back to MPLS with so many ideas is
was gratifying to be able to share some local public library achievements with
library staff in the USA.
Concepts that were of interest included:
• The MPLS Senior’s Internet Club was a new concept for most libraries
that were visited and they may well appear on US library websites in the
near future.
4
http://www.lifelonglibraries.org/documents/2008LifelongInstitutePressRelease.pdf
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•
•
The fact that Victorian libraries are using volunteers to select items, under
the guidance of professional librarians, and then deliver them to people in
their homes was also well received.
The new Clayton Community Centre, where several community services
are co-located. This was clearly a new concept to those I met and they
were very impressed with the idea of the library sharing a facility with a
swimming pool, gym, dental clinic, child care facility and other community
services.
I am profoundly grateful to the Library Board of Victoria for the opportunity to
explore my ideas about library services to Baby Boomers. The American
experience indicates very strongly that this cohort wants to “do good work”,
wants to be involved in their local community and wants opportunities for lifelong
learning in non-threatening, non-commercial environments.
It is going to be very exciting to discover what Baby Boomers in the Monash
community want from their library service. It is going to be even more exciting
and challenging, to develop partnerships and projects that meet these needs.
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