A Demonstration Pilot Project of Comprehensive Library Services for the Aged in Selected Communities in Kentucky (NRTA/AARP Kentucky Library Project). Final Report, Phase 1

The project, intended to design and field test models of specialized library services for older adults, was conducted in two parts. Phase 1 consisted of collecting and evaluating data for use in designing models in Louisville, Lexington, Somerset, and Hazard, Kentucky. Data was collected by search of the literature, personal interviews, a users-nonusers survey, and a comprehensive library report form. Results were reported as: (1) a selected, annotated bibliography on the library and senior citizens, (2) four community site profiles, (3) background material leading to creation of a survey instrument, (4) comprehensive analyses of four library systems, and (5) a casebook of successful existing and innovative programs. Additionally, training workshops in social gerontology were conducted for site librarians, and an audiovisual presentation of the background of the project was prepared for use nationwide by libraries and other agencies concerned with services to the aging. It was concluded that Phase 1 produced convincing evidence of need for the project and adequate data to launch Phase 2. (Author/PF)