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A prototype system of sustainable community memory archive for public libraries

This chapter describes the present conditions of our aging society, with a particular focus on Japan as a typical example of such a society. In Japan, one in every four individuals is over 65 years of age, and one in eight is over 75 years of age. Further, based on this demographic change to an older population, this chapter discusses a new library service designed to enhance the lives of elderly citizens. The authors explore this new service from the viewpoint of lifelong learning, utilizing the results of recent government surveys and some case studies, such as those done at the Izumo City Hikawa Library and the Akita Prefectural Library in Japan. Although the elderly have been placed within the category of “disabled library patrons,” in recent years, it has become more common to consider the elderly, as a whole, as an individual service category. We should, in the near future, pay more attention to supporting elderly citizens at public libraries to engage them in the development and maintenance of their own communities.

Background. Services for older adults are becoming accepted as a separate user service category at Japanese public libraries. From the perspective that older adults are themselves supposed to support the community in this super-aged society, there is a growing need to give positive assistance to older adults as library patrons and information seekers. Objectives. This paper examines the information seeking behavior of older adults at a public library, including how they select information search tools, as well as their reasons and perception underlying such behavior. Methods. Experiments were conducted at a public library to investigate actual information behavior, and interviews were carried out to clarify user perceptions of public libraries and user needs. Results. The information seeking behavior of older adults at public libraries can be categorized into three patterns: Case 1 where the Library Usage Frequency is High; Case 2 where the Library Usage Frequency is Low and There is Preference for Search Method; and Case 3 where the Library Usage Frequency is Low and There is No Preference for Search Method. Contributions. The study has identified some information seeking behavior patterns of older adults at public libraries. Some challenges in current services are identified, and directions for future services to older adults are proposed.

This chapter describes the present conditions of our aging society, with a particular focus on Japan as a typical example of such a society. In Japan, one in every four individuals is over 65 years of age, and one in eight is over 75 years of age. Further, based on this demographic change to an older population, this chapter discusses a new library service designed to enhance the lives of elderly citizens. The authors explore this new service from the viewpoint of lifelong learning, utilizing the results of recent government surveys and some case studies, such as those done at the Izumo City Hikawa Library and the Akita Prefectural Library in Japan. Although the elderly have been placed within the category of “disabled library patrons,” in recent years, it has become more common to consider the elderly, as a whole, as an individual service category. We should, in the near future, pay more attention to supporting elderly citizens at public libraries to engage them in the development and maintenance of their own communities.