University at Buffalo (Department of Information Science)

The University at Buffalo will investigate how public libraries can use participatory design techniques to attract and engage older adults by involving them in the co-design of targeted programming and services. Library professionals and older adults will work together in design teams to identify programming needs and plan and execute programming. For the purposes of comparison, the research will be conducted within three library locations (inner-city, suburban, rural) in the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System. The project will provide insights into best practices and will inform a model and educational resources for librarian professional continuing education. More broadly, the findings can inform the development of educational resources for librarian professional development and Library and Information Science academic programs.