Library Service Implications

These exploratory dissertation study findings also have practical library service

implications for the LIS field. It would be important to obtain feedback from Baby Boomers in the library community to ensure that library services and programs would be effective and useful for this age group. This could be accomplished by having Baby Boomers on committees that discuss library programming and services offered, or by conducting studies (such as surveys) asking for input and feedback. It would also be important to consider these needs in the library budget. Dedicating and allocating money for services to Baby Boomers and other older adults would help to fulfill the needs of aging library community members. According to Marshall and Marshall (2010), the library community would need to examine not just the number of Baby

Boomers in the library community, but also socio-economic status, education and workforce participation. Research has shown that most individuals over age 50 have been active and in the workforce. This was also reflected in the findings of this dissertation study. Creating policies and practices to serve this diverse, growing community would be needed for libraries and other cultural institutions.

This exploratory dissertation study found Baby Boomers encountering different types of challenges with mobile devices. Providing instructional classes on different types of mobile devices would increase comfort and lessen anxiety in using a mobile device. Consider providing a mobile technology zoo of different mobile devices to help encourage more use and comfort in searching for information with the different mobile devices. Some Baby Boomers have not been able to afford certain mobile technologies. Having different mobile devices available would give community members the opportunity to utilize a mobile device to keep current on updated technology advances as well as providing the opportunity to use a mobile device to search for information before purchasing a new device. Additionally, economic factors in using a mobile device could be a factor with disadvantaged Baby Boomers who do not have handy access to a Broadband connection to perform search activities. Access to a stable Broadband connection at a public library could be important to perform certain search activities without disruptions of service (Jaeger et al., 2007; Kinney, 2010; Wang et al., 2009).

Lack of domain and system knowledge was a key factor in the different types of challenges participants encountered in this study. Providing a place where Baby Boomers and other older adults feel comfortable in a learning environment would be a good start to increasing digital literacy skills. Programs and instructions about mobile devices given by peers would allow for social support and more comfort in learning (Ng, 2007). However, as noted, Baby

Boomers comprise a diverse set of users, therefore, providing alternative methods of support such as one-on-one instruction, tutorials, printed instructions or intergenerational programs could allow for accommodation of different types of users since some AMO do not want to be

categorized into a certain age group. Moreover, consider providing programs that offer the opportunity to search for different types of information (such as e-books) on a mobile device that could assist Baby Boomers and other adults feel more comfortable and confident about using mobile devices. Surprisingly, most of the Baby Boomer participants in this study were unaware of public library e-book offerings and other digital materials, and few had accessed their public library website from a mobile device. Consider marketing in a variety of venues, such as social networking sites and electronic newsletters focusing on Baby Boomers and other older adults to promote public services and programs that encourage the use of mobile technology. These programs could assist Baby Boomers as well as other adults in the community to consider the benefits of mobile technology in their daily lives.

Participants in this study indicated that they still wanted and were capable of learning about mobile devices. However, some of participants experienced frustration when they were unable to find a solution to a problem. Consider creating programs that would emphasize learning by doing an activity. Programs that provided a working example (Atkinson, Derry, Renkl, & Worthham, 2000), that stated a problem, give step-by-step instructions on how to solve the problem and arrive at the resulting solution would help to reduce both the cognitive load of the user and anxiety about using a mobile device. Another possible alternative would be to set up community partnerships between the library and other organizations, such as conducting free workshops at the library on specific mobile devices to assist Baby Boomers in the utilization of various functions to perform search activities. The significance of the library’s role within the

community could increase as the library offers programs and services that promote lifelong learning and interactive participation from their library community.

Social ageism played a key role among the participants in this exploratory dissertation study. Providing intergenerational opportunities and interactions with the younger generation could be beneficial for both age groups to help diminish stereotypes. In addition, providing programming that creates a new perspective and broadens understanding on aging in society, such as art exhibits and community forums, could provide different opportunities for reflection and dialogue offering a new set of images and ideals that would be different than some of the stereotypical depictions of AMO.