Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute 2008

This summer, Libraries for the Future will host its third Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute focusing on services to baby boomers and other active older adults.

The Institute will introduce participants to Lifelong Access, a new framework for working with Baby Boomers and active, older adults that promotes productive aging through learning and civic engagement. Lifelong Access is based on an understanding of older adults as resources for their communities and offers an alternative to the predominant deficit-based model of aging. Leadership track librarians with an interest in advocating for older adults in their communities and within the library profession are encouraged to apply.

Over 3 intensive days, Fellows will have the opportunity to build knowledge about trends, issues, and recent research in aging; explore examples of excellence and innovation in library service for this age group; and participate in interactive sessions in which Fellows can move from theory to practical application.

The 2008 Institute will focus primarily on three areas:

• Concepts and research underlying new approaches to working with midlife and older adults;
  
  
• Promising practices in library services, including the Lifelong Access framework for new older adult services; and
  
  
• Leadership and skills in community librarianship.

Following the Institute, Fellows will participate in a national community of practice based on exchange of information, ideas and examples for redesigning library services around boomers’ interests, assets and needs.    

Who may apply:

Library staff from any public library, with a demonstrated interest in working with active older adults and in enhancing their library’s services and resources for this age group. Fellows will be selected on a competitive basis by a panel of LFF staff and consultants.

Criteria for selection will include past experiences in implementing new and innovative program and potential for leadership. A Library Commitment Letter signed by the applicant’s director is required.

All costs including travel, lodging, and meals will be covered by the project grant from The Atlantic
Philanthropies.

Program Contact:
Vandra Thorburn
(vthorburn@lff.org)

For more on the 2007 and 2006 institutes, see this page.