Public Libraries Supporting Older People
Access Digital Services
Tom Forrest
Independent Library Consultant
Indian Public Libraries Conference
2016
When digital is fun
• Many of us assume that older people don’t
like new technology
• If that is true, it is because they have not yet
found a use for it that matches their interests
or meets their needs
Longer lives – active lives?
• People are living longer
• People who have worked for 40 years could
have a RETIREMENT of 20 years – and more
• Government wants to encourage many more
people to have an active old age
• To be active in today’s society we need (at
least basic level) ICT skills
Vital Role for Public Libraries
• Governments want:
– Public services to be accessible online
– In fact, to be “digital by default”
• Public Libraries can make a significant
contribution to these aims by providing:
– computers and internet access
– Staff time to give personal support to help people
feel comfortable with IT and increase their
confidence
Why public libraries?
• Public Libraries are trusted, safe places
• Library staff and library volunteers have the
people skills and can support older people to
“give computers a go”
• Activities range from Taster Sessions to more
structured learning programmes
A Silver Surfer
• Public Libraries were quick to identify the
needs of older people
• Informal sessions for Silver Surfers helped to
create a relaxed environment for older people
to give things a try
• No one is made to feel inadequate
• Small groups gave people individual attention
Learn My Way
• Created by the Tinder Foundation – a UK
charity committed to bridging the digital
divide
• Working with public libraries to promote free
courses at different levels:
– Get Ready
– Get Started
– Learn More
Things we must consider
• Every older person is an individual
• Not all older people like the same things
• Some are afraid of computers
– Because they don’t understand them
• They might have had very successful careers
that didn’t require digital skills
– And don’t want to feel or look inadequate at this
time in their life
• Older people have a lot to give to young
people
• Public Libraries are great places for older
people to do voluntary work, such as helping
children learn to read
• And young people can volunteer to help train
and support older people in It and digital skills
• Inter-generational programmes have many
additional benefits – understanding & respect
Those of us who take IT for granted can forget
how daunting the most basic things can be
Some ‘hooks’ for some older people
• Contacting family and friends
Email | Skype | Facetime
• Online shopping
Safe finance online
• Access to public services online
Tax | Driving Licence | Health Services
• Fun stuff!
Hobbies | Cooking | Travel
It makes you feel young again!
Older People who suffer from dementia
Memory Boxes
Memories – on a Tablet
Summary
• Public Libraries can play an important, active
role in helping older people gain confidence in
using digital technology
• They cannot do it on their own –
PARTNERSHIP with other organisations that
share these aims is critical
• It is vital that Government knows what public
libraries are doing and can do to help address
the digital divide
Yes, he’s having digital fun
But he’s not the only one!