New Publications!
In 2024, Nicole Dalmer’s chapter Libraries’ Engagement with Older Adults was published. This work explores the evolving role of libraries in supporting aging populations, emphasizing how library policies, programs, and spaces must adapt to meet the diverse needs of older adults.
Nicole examines the historical and current landscape of library services for older patrons, challenging outdated stereotypes and highlighting innovative ways libraries can foster social inclusion, support lifelong learning, and contribute to aging-friendly communities. The chapter also underscores the importance of data-driven approaches to better align library offerings with older adults’ evolving information needs. If you’re interested in reading the full chapter, check out the American Library Association.
In July 2024, Nicole’s article Informing Care: Negotiating Tensions in Everyday Information Work in Dementia Care was published. This study examines the often-overlooked information work performed by carers supporting community-dwelling older adults living with dementia.
Through an institutional ethnography approach, Nicole maps how both family carers and paid dementia care staff navigate information, uncovering the broader institutional structures that shape their experiences. The research highlights the fluid and ambiguous nature of dementia-related information and underscores the need for tailored supports to help carers effectively manage their evolving information needs. If you’re interested in reading the full article, check out Bristol University Press.
In December 2023, Nicole Dalmer & Emily S. Smith published Understanding Older Adults’ Participation in Outdoor Adventure Activities: A Scoping Review in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. This review examines existing research on older adults' engagement in outdoor adventure activities (OAA), exploring their benefits, barriers, and societal perceptions.
The findings highlight how OAA contribute to older adults' physical and mental well-being while challenging traditional notions of age-appropriate leisure. The paper also calls for more diverse participant recruitment and greater attention to structural factors influencing participation. If you’re interested in reading the full article, check out Taylor and Francis.
In September 2023, the chapter Older Adults, Public Libraries, and Sustainable Development Goals by Nicole Dalmer and Meridith Griffin was published in Advances in Librarianship. This work examines the vital role public libraries play in addressing the needs and interests of older adults while aligning with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, and Reducing Inequalities.
The chapter explores broader social trends shaping older adults’ engagement with public libraries and highlights opportunities for libraries to enhance their impact through cross-sector collaboration. If you’re interested in reading the full chapter, please head to the Emerald Insight.