About This Project
This page is part of a larger project focusing on how the Juneau Public Library, in Juneau, Alaska, provides digital literacy services to its community. This project is conducted as part of the course requirements of CIS 650 (Applying Diversity Leadership Theories & Praxis) course in Spring 2025. This project was developed with input from Juneau Public Library's Outreach Coordinator.
Tlingit Rock Art, Juneau, Alaska
Readings and Resources
1) AARP. (n.d.). AARP Virtual Community Center. https://local.aarp.org/virtual-community-center/
A partnership between AARP, Senior Planet, and Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) offers technology training through AARP's Virtual Community Center. All classes are provided online through the AARP online portal at no cost. The instructions for registering for a class are provided in the individual class descriptions on the AARP Virtual Community Center website.
2) Bennett-Kapusniak, R. (2013). Older Adults and the Public Library: The Impact of the Boomer Generation, Public Library Quarterly, 204-222, https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2013.818814
This article investigates senior adult services at fifty public libraries in the U.S. to determine whether the offerings support the American Library Association Guidelines for Older Adults (2008) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services' strategies for lifelong learning (2008). The article discusses the importance of technology programs and services for older adults, especially concerning keeping in touch with family and friends and obtaining health information. Findings from this research indicate that while libraries do not offer a significant amount of programming for seniors, they offer technology training. Findings also suggest that libraries could benefit from additional funding and having an "older-adult" link or tab on their website.
3) Geerts, N., Schirmer, W., Vercruyssen, A., Glorieux, I. (2024). Exploring Older Adults ICT Support: A Mismatch Between Needs and Provision. New Media & Society, 26(12), 7314-7330. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448231166356
This article focuses on the distinction between information communication and technology (ICT) support and identifies four types of support for senior citizens. The research focused on identifying ICT support needed by older individuals for everyday life, including developing a definition of what constitutes ICT support and the different types of assistance available. The researchers conducted interviews and focus groups with 64 respondents using a grounded theory methodology to extract pertinent data. Their findings identified four components of older adult ICT support: 1) Motivational support; 2) Instructional support; 3) Technical support; and 4) Support by proxy use. The data collected indicates that "it is necessary to distinguish between the different types of support needs and the respective support providers (p. 7328)."
4) Tech Life Unity. (2025). Tech Life Unity - https://www.techlifeunity.com/
"Tech Life Unity is a free-to-use educational website that teaches technology users of all ages and skill levels how to use technology, especially the most popular websites, apps, and online tools, using easy-to-understand instructions in online tutorials on the website, and in videos on their YouTube channel.
5) Tomczyk, Lukasz, & Edisherashvili, Natalia. (2024). Learning Objectives in Older Adult Digital Education - Redefining Digital Inclusion. International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering, and Education (IJCRSEE), 12(3), 507-520. https://doi.org/10.23947/2334-8496-2027-12-3-507-520
This article outlines learning objectives for teaching older adults about technology applications and how to use them. This research was conducted through the OPEN UJ online platform, where practitioners provided input on digital inclusion for seniors by developing up-to-date and relevant learning objectives. This research identified 12 main learning objectives: 1) computer and mobile basics; 2) Basic terminology in the digital world; 3) Using e-mail; 4) Digital security; 5) Searching for information on the Internet; 6) Use of social media; 7) Using instant messaging; 8) Culture and entertainment; 9) Online financial management; 10) Online shopping; 11) Use of additional software on smart phones; and 12) Time management and organization. Other findings were that digital literacy programs should prioritize skills that have "meaningful and positive impact on participants' existing abilities and daily routines." Researchers also noted that the organization of the educational content and its focus are key components to effective technology instruction.
6) Westerholm, Hely, and Takanen-Korperich, Prijo. (2023). How are Senior Citizens Capable of Coping with the World of Digital Natives? The International Journal for Business Education, 165(1), https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1392613.pdf
This paper examines qualitative research to determine how seniors develop as digital natives. The research problem was focused on the "why" of senior citizens failure to meet today's digital requirements and gathered data on two research questions, "1) What score skills does the current digital environment require from seniors?, and 2) How does society ensure that senior citizens become active users of digital skills?" The narrative examines the main challenge for seniors when engaging with the digital environment, surprises identified by trainers working with seniors, and captured stories about trainers' experiences working with seniors. This research culminated in the Wireframe, a model that explains how senior citizens can become active digital seniors. Wireframe has four sections: 1) User friendliness, which equals simplicity; 2) Guidance, which equals training; 3) Positive attitude, which equals personal motivation; and 4) Reachability, which equals prevention of marginalization.
Memphis Public Library
Case Study
Memphis Public Library provides an outstanding Seniors portal on its library website. The portal provides a one-stop access point to all the resources the library provides to Seniors including: an overview video of senior programming available at the Memphis Public Library; library card registration; links to e-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines; local history; senior health; computer classes; library book clubs; LINC 2-1-1; Tax Assistance; and how to volunteer for the library. Each access point features a large image and larger text fonts, making finding needed information easier for anyone visually challenged. Clicking on the "computer classes" link takes the searcher to a complete list of computer class offerings. Memphis Public Library offers basic computer classes, but also offers a range of advanced technology classes, including web design and coding, filmmaking with a smartphone, artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, JobLINC Digital Learn, Free Tech Support at the Library, Designing with Canva, and a Gadget Lab. These resources can be accessed at https://www.memphislibrary.org/learn/seniors/