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SOME ISSUES IN LIBRARY SERVICES FOR THE AGED
Author(s) -
Herr Twila A. J.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
australian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 0726-4240
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.1987.tb00997.x
Subject(s) - redress , disengagement theory , variety (cybernetics) , gerontology , psychology , business , library science , sociology , political science , medicine , computer science , artificial intelligence , law
Australia's elderly do not use library services as frequently as other age groups. There are a variety of explanations for this under‐utilisation ranging from the attitudes of the elderly through the library materials available to physical demands on aged users. This article examines some recent literature and survey data to review these impediments to more effective use of library services by aged Australians. It argues that the “disengagement theory” is not an adequate explanation. Greater library sensitivity to the needs of the elderly and modifications of library services to minimise the effects of physical circumstances of the elderly appear likely to have impact on aged user rates. Thus libraries can redress the problem of low aged participation by catering for the special needs of this growing (potential) user group.