Role and function of retirement village libraries

Abstract

Introduction: This research explored the role and function of retirement village libraries in New Zealand. There is currently little literature about the libraries situated within retirement villages. The retirement village industry is currently experiencing a period of considerable expansion due to the immanent retirement of the baby boom generation. With 93% of retirement villages claiming to have a library, it is important that the library and information management (LIM) profession has an understanding of how these libraries operate. Methods: This study used a nation-wide telephone survey. The sample was derived from the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand (239 retirement village members). Altogether 147 retirement villages were contacted and 47 completed the questionnaire (32% response rate). The data was analysed using nominal categories and descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was also obtained through the unsolicited comments from participants and the follow up conversational leads. Findings: The primary role of retirement village libraries was to provide recreational reading material and they rely heavily on donated resources. They were staffed either by residents on a voluntary basis or by activity co-ordinators, staff members whose role is to run recreational programmes for residents. There were a range of library systems operating across retirement villages with little consistency across the sector. Conclusion: The future needs of retirement village residents, particularly regarding lifelong learning, and the relationship between retirement village libraries and the public library system were identified as areas worthy of further exploration