Recommendations

A: Any act that has an information component must include the explicit identification of libraries as access points and agencies of implementation. Thus, libraries will be eligible to receive funds from authorized appropriations.

#2 Topic Group 1: Older Adults and Disabilities

A: Make libraries accessible to older adults with disabilities, including:

• barrier-free access to buildings and programs
• access to on-line catalogs
• comfortable, user-friendly environment
• staff sensitivity training

#3 Topic Group 5: Older Adults and Research, Education, and Training

C: Federal, state, and local research initiatives should require multi-agency collaboration.

#4 Topic Group 8: Older Adults, and Lifelong Learning, Arts and Humanities

A: Resolve that programs for older Americans be recognized as a critical component of the local, state, and national educational infrastructure and that their importance for the quality of intellectual and civic life is to be reflected in educational policies and funding at the national, state, and local levels, including:

• lifelong learning as part of the budgetary process
• a commitment to national advocacy
• utilizing other resources
• concern for and commitment to cultural and historical preservation

#5 Topic Group 7: Libraries, Older Adults, and Technology

A: In pending telecommunications reform legislation, preferential rates should be provided to libraries and similar institutions. Additionally, telecommunications providers should be required to wire libraries, schools, etc., as a condition of their receiving the franchise.

#6 Topic Group 4: Older Adults and Federal Legislative Policy

C: Attach to National Information Infrastructure (NII) and National Telecommunications Information Agency (NTIA) grant funding programs provisions for technology/information literacy training. Include specific language targeting older adults and provision for assistive technology to improve accessibility for training.

#7 Topic Group 3: Libraries and Interdependence of Generations

B: All state councils on aging and all advisory councils to area agencies on aging will include a representative of library and information services.

#8 Topic Group 1: Older Adults and Disabilities

C: Promoting library services to older adults with disabilities through:

• increased promotion to current users
• outreach to non-users
• networking among libraries, organizations serving older adults, and consumers
• serving as a clearinghouse for information about disabilities and assistive technology

#9 Topic Group 7: Libraries, Older Adults, and Technology

C: In developing technology, libraries should be key shapers of the Global Information Infrastructure (GII). And, in developing related standards, they should address diverse needs (e.g., those with limited English language skills, those requiring assistive or adaptive technology, and those with little formal education). In providing access to technology, libraries should develop easy-to-use interfaces for the general public.

#10 Topic Group 2: Older Adults and Cultural Diversity

A: Resolve that sensitivity toward the diversity of older adults pervade the library profession beginning with changes in curriculum and the active recruitment of minorities for library and information science programs and continuing education for library staff.

#11 Topic Group 7: Libraries, Older Adults, and Technology

B: Public libraries should provide both access to technology and training in the use of technology. There needs to be a human infrastructure to serve as "techno-guides" and navigators for information in all formats.

#12 Topic Group 2: Older Adults and Cultural Diversity

C: Resolve that federal, state, and local jurisdictions ensure adequate funding to support multi-cultural programs for older adults and also incorporate funding support for all resolutions resulting from the White House Conference on Aging.

#13 Topic Group 1: Older Adults and Disabilities

B: Increasing availability and awareness of library materials in accessible formats, including:

• more large print (especially informational)
• Electronic formats that are compatible with adaptive technology
• promotion of materials from the National Library Service/B & P H

#14 Topic Group 4: Older Adults and Federal Legislative Policy

B: Fund the expansion of traditional library development to include new technology resource centers that support lifelong learning, economic training, and senior-related information.

#15 Topic Group 6: Older Adults and Special Constituencies

A: Libraries provide stimulating programming for older adults in the library, in senior centers, where people live, and in places where groups meet. Further, that they provide location, resources, and impetus to building library-based groups of users to build communities.

#16 Topic Group 6: Older Adults and Special Constituencies

C: Libraries recognize that not all older adults are culturally familiar or trained in the use of libraries. Libraries ensure equity of service to all groups in the community and recognize that special groups have the same informational needs as other older adults.

#17 Topic Group 3: Libraries and Interdependence of Generations

A: The library will be a coordinating force that brings together organizations serving all generations to improve the quality of life in the community.

#18 Topic Group 6: Older Adults and Special Constituencies

B: Libraries will collaborate with other groups, institutions, networks, and individuals in the community to provide and enhance services to older adults and develop new cooperative projects.

#19 Topic Group 8: Older Adults and Lifelong Learning, Arts and Humanities

B: When developing programs, include materials in appropriate formats and auxiliary aids. Incorporate distance-learning tools and use new avenues of delivery while expanding public relations regarding existing resources, such as interlibrary loan.

#20 Topic Group 5: Older Adults and Research, Education, and Training

B: Libraries need to expand their role in educating the public by:

• using electronic technology in addition to existing approaches
• heightening attention to the continuum of the lifespan
• infusing attention to the lifespan continuum into library and information science curricula