In much the same way, seniors who use and support their local public libraries serve as valuable advocates for libraries, literacy and lifelong learning. Senior participation in library planning will assist libraries in properly assessing the needs of seniors and implementing appropriate programs. With Missourians 60 and over comprising 18 percent of the state s population, this group can serve as a strong and active voice for library issues to the legislature and local governments. Barriers An important barrier to providing services for seniors is a lack of resources, which shows up most strongly in collections, staff and the library s physical environment. In some cases, library collections are inadequate to meet the leisure, information or educational needs of older adults.
Many libraries point to a lack of adequate staff to provide special senior services and programs.
This may be especially true when libraries seek to provide outreach services to meet the needs of seniors who cannot visit the library. Unlike services to other special populations, such as young people, few library staff qualify as senior services specialists. In addition, little formal training is available in Missouri to prepare library staff for serving an older adult population. A final barrier that prevents libraries from providing services revolves around ergonomics. The American Disabilities Act has played a major role in eliminating many physical barriers.