1. Improving Public Library Services for Senior Citizens Honors Thesis Proposal Presented by: Rita J. Nix Faculty Mentor: James Swan, Applied Gerontology

2. Background & Interest

3. Active and engaged Current interests and learning new

4. Materials and Services provided include: Large print books Large print books Audio books Audio books Computers with text enlarging features Computers with text enlarging features Home book delivery Home book delivery

5. Phase 1 Identified services currently provided

6. Phase 2 Identify feasible additional services by surveying patrons and non-patrons

7. Patrons Current library users on-site survey Non patrons Senior citizens centers

8. Questions will include: Do you use the local public library? Do you use the local public library? How often? How often? If not, reasons why? If not, reasons why? If so, what services do you use? If so, what services do you use? What could improve current services? What could improve current services? What other services would you use if available? What other services would you use if available? What could be done to better meet your needs? What could be done to better meet your needs?

9. Possible additional questions: Gender Gender Age range Age range Option of listing any special needs Option of listing any special needs

10. Assess services of 3 library systems Fort Worth – large system Fort Worth – large system Denton – medium size Denton – medium size Azle – small, but planned expansion Azle – small, but planned expansion

11. Fort Worth Public Library Central Library Central Library 2 Regional Branches & 10 Branch Libraries 2 Regional Branches & 10 Branch Libraries 2 Satellite Libraries 2 Satellite Libraries collection includes: 5.3 million items * 50 computers for public use * 50 computers for public use * Outreach services for Seniors * Outreach services for Seniors

12. Denton Public Library Central Library Central Library 2 Branches 2 Branches –Over 106,000 items in main branch –Over 55,000 items in each of the

13. Azle Public Library One library One library –Over 55,000 items –18 patron computers –2,400 DVDs or videos –1,800 audio books –Book delivery service provided by volunteers

14. International View Services being provided by other countries: Japan Japan Northern Ireland Northern Ireland New South Wales, Australia New South Wales, Australia etc etc Discovered no significant differences in services provided

15. Goals: To create more awareness for the public of the services available to them To create awareness of future needs due to increased aging population

16. Thank You Dr. Swan – my mentor Dr. Eve – for all the encouragement And to you, for coming to listen!