Diverse Populations Article Summary Worksheet

Alisha Short
  Directions:

1. Complete one Article Summary Worksheet for each of two articles read.
2. Under “Summary Information” and “Personal Reaction”, use complete sentences.
3. Do not feel limited by two pages. You are allowed to use extra pages.
4. Save the document by naming it: yourlastname_articleauthor'slastname (ex.
Jones_Abram.docx OR Jones_Pemberton.docx)
5. 25 points/worksheet = 50 points TOTAL

❖     Bibliographic Information

•        Author(s) of article: Greg, Landgraf

•        Title of article: An Aging Population Reshapes Library Services

•        Name of magazine, newspaper, website, journal etc. containing the article:
American Libraries, EBSCO Management Collection

•        Date article was published and page number (if known): June 2016, Vol. 47 Issue
6, p22-23. 2p.

❖     Summary Information

● What is the library patron population being discussed in this article? What
are some details about this patron population (Describe them if in the article,
otherwise state that the article didn’t provide details.)

This article discusses patrons who are older adults, ages 50 and older.

“In Cuyahoga County, Ohio alone, the population of residents over age 60 is projected to
increase from 21.3% in 2010 to 31% in 2030. The first wave of the baby boom generation
has now turned 65, the traditional retirement age. This article states that they want to
think about aging proactively, so they are thinking about people in the preretirement stage.
In 2014 and 2015, the AARP Foundation gave grants to libraries to develop services to
adults over 50.” (Landgraf, G. 2016)
Also, library’s offer outreach programs that take place outside of the library. These services
focus on delivering materials to seniors, the homebound, senior centers, assisted living
facilities and senior apartments.
 ● Briefly state the main idea or thesis presented in this article:

The older adult population is growing in communities. Providing important

informational needs and programs that cater to older adults, ages 50 and older, is
a task that libraries will take on. Their outreach programs, such as delivering
services and programming to seniors and the homebound, are important to those
in the community. Libraries should offer a wide variety of programs that interest
older adults in the community.

● Does the article describe the library needs of the patron population? If so,
what are they?

Yes, this article describes the library needs of older adults. It offers programming
on technology, health, legal issues, music and reading and writing. Services
include delivering materials to seniors and the homebound. They also provide
programming in senior centers, assisted living facilities and senior apartments.
They offer technology training classes, gaming sessions, a pen-pal program that
pairs seniors with elementary school students and the ‘Remember When’ story
time program, which engages older adults to share their stories and memories
each month.

● Describe how you would communicate with each patron type. Are there
particular styles or mediums of communication that would be best?

Verbal communication is efficient. Using a strong, confident voice so your ideas

are clear and easy for others to understand. Using active listening, intently
listening and hearing others, is important. Nonverbal communication, body
language, gestures, and facial expressions, will convey information to others.
Speaking politely and calmly, acknowledging patrons and listening intently will
help with the communication of older patrons.

Some older adults may have some impairment of vision, hearing or mobility.
Signage should be clearly printed and well placed. Make sure the print is large
enough to be read. Have pencils and paper in order to better communicate with
the patron who may have some hearing impairment. Be patient with the older
patrons. Some may not be walking quickly as others. Show them respect and
curtesy, the same as you would with any patron.
❖     Personal Reaction

● What was the most surprising/interesting thing you found out by reading this
article? Why was this surprising?

I was really surprised by the variety of services they offer to these older adults.
They offer technology training classes, gaming sessions, a pen-pal program that
pairs seniors with elementary school students and the ‘Remember When’
Storytime program, which engages older adults to share their stories and
memories each month. I really love their pen-pal program and their gaming
sessions. I think those are great ideas. I was surprised by this because I didn’t
realize they offered this many programs and I love that some are outside of the
library, such as nursing homes and the homebound.

● What question(s) do you have after reading this article? What would you like to
learn more about?

The Outreach Programs that libraries offer are very important. I would love to
learn more about what services/programs they provide. I’m especially
interested in the programs involving nursing homes. I think those patrons
living there would really benefit from all the library has to offer. Engaging their
minds and keeping them company is really important. I think that these
programs are something the entire community should get behind.

Do more patrons come into the library or use the outreach program?
Which programs see the most interest from this age group? Is it technology
programs, game sessions, story times, or the pen-pal program?
What other programs do older adults wish to see in the library?

● What other keywords/topics for further research did you find reading this
article?

I would love to learn more about the Outreach Programs that libraries offer. I
believe they are very beneficial to every community. I really like the programs they
offer: technology classes, gaming sessions, a pe-pal program and the ‘Remember
When’ story time program.
 The term ‘area agency on aging’ is new to me. I’m not really sure if that would play
a huge role in working at a library. Also, the term ‘community asset mapping’ is
new. I’m not exactly sure what that is and if library staff use it in every library.

References

Landgraf, G. (2016). An Aging Population Reshapes Library Services. American

Libraries, 47(6), 22–23.