News Release

UNC Institute on Aging Co-Hosts First National Lifelong Access Libraries Institute

July 17, 2006

The first national Lifelong Access Libraries Institute, co-hosted by the UNC Institute on Aging and the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS), will be held on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from July 30 – August 4, 2006 at the School of Information and Library Science. The event will introduce more than 20 library fellows from across the country to Lifelong Access, a new framework for working with active older adults that promotes productive aging through learning and civic engagement.

Presented by Americans for Libraries Council (ALC), a nonprofit that champions the role of libraries in American society, the Lifelong Access Libraries Institute will focus on three areas:

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

Several UNC Institute on Aging researchers will be featured presenters at the event, including Dr. Victor Marshall, Executive Director; Dr. Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, Associate Director for Aging and Diversity; Dr. Joanne Gard Marshall, Senior Research Scientist and Alumni Distinguished Professor, UNC School of Information and Library Science; Dr. Mary Altpeter, Associate Director for Program Development; Danielle Borasky, Associate Director, Library and Information Services; and Marlys Ray, Librarian.

“The IOA and SILS are delighted to host the first national Institute on Lifelong Access Libraries,” said Joanne Gard Marshall, UNC Institute on Aging Senior Research Scientist and SILS Distinguished Professor. “This initiative recognizes the key role that libraries have in supporting individuals throughout the life course. Public libraries in particular can provide a base in the community for our older citizens who are becoming more active and civically engaged than ever before. Libraries can offer information resources, assistance in locating both paid and volunteer job opportunities, and access to the Internet. Public libraries can also provide meeting space for community organizations.”

Selected by a panel of national advisors and Americans for Libraries Council staff, the Fellows attending the Institute are mid-career practicing librarians who are enthusiastic, successful, experienced and committed to the lifelong access community.

The Institute is one component of ALC's multi-year Lifelong Access Libraries initiative, funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies. The $2.7 million grant is enabling the development of a nationwide network of Lifelong Access Libraries, showcasing a new model for library services focused on baby boomers and older adults making the transition to active civic participation and lifelong learning in retirement.

Attendance at the Lifelong Access Libraries Institute is by invitation only.