This morning a senior patron asked me to help find a book for him. He just bought an MP3 player but had no idea how to use it. He felt the instrcution that came with the device was not sufficient for him either. He preferred a book and if possible any book from the series " ___ for Dummies" or "Complete Idiots Guide to ____" After catalogue search, I told him that all the books on MP3 player were out and we could do web search to find information he needed. What he told me then was that he had no computer at home and he belonged to the abacus generation and had just managed to master how to use a calculator. After that, he just ignored his first query and asked me to point where he could find books on diabetes.
The recent development of information technology has left out a number of senior patrons who have been strong advocates of the library services. They have heard of the convenience of new technoliges and watch their children and grandchildren using them everyday. They want to be able to use these devices to communicate with them.
What can we do for the patrons who cannot make the most of the informaiton technologies due to such barriers? How can we help them to connect with digital technologies and the generations who have grown up with these technologies? Can we bridge the gap between various user groups with diverse degrees of confidence and capabilities in informaiton technologies? Can we offer what they need and want? How can we engage and inspire people with new digital services and collections?
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