Adult Library Services

Adult services is a wide-ranging area of library work. Your community of users - the ones you have, the ones you will have, and the ones you can have - will differ from one library to the next and one year to the next.

Below are some broad topics under which there are resources for learning about some adults and how to meet some of their needs relevant to those themes. However, every adult has one thing in common: Their needs, wants, and experiences will fall into multiple of those categories.

For news, resources, and trends in adult services, visit Colorado Virtual Library or subscribe to email alerts for new posts.

Adult Services Topics

Learning Your
Community's Needs

Programming

Aging and
Older Adults

Workforce, Job and
Career Development

Book-Centered Programs
and Reader's Advisory

Other
Resources

"How do I figure out what my community wants or needs?"

Programming

Resources and Ideas

Programming Librarian
Resource kits from Colorado State Library

Program Evaluation

Project Outcome - Free evaluation toolkit for gathering survey data from programs to help libraries see what's working, what isn't, and learn what programs your community wants
Evaluating Library Programming workbook from the Connected Learning Alliance

Research and Reports

Publications from National Impact of Library Public Programs Assessment

Aging and Older Adults

Programs

Fall Prevention Programs Demographics & Outcomes Infographics
Fall Prevention Awareness Week Toolkit
Programs for health and wellness:
- Geri-Fit - Learn more about Geri-Fit at libraries
- Ageless Grace
- Senior Planet - Virtual live free programming for lifelong learning and physical wellness

Research and Reports

Workforce, Job and Career Development

Book-centered Programs and Readers Advisory

Net Galley - Use your work email and get librarian access to Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) of upcoming titles.
Colorado Humanities and Center for the Book
- Volunteer as a judge or selector for the annual Colorado Book Awards.

One Book or Common Read Programs

Big Read - From National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Big Read offers libraries opportunities for grant funding of a common read program for your communities.

Readers Advisory Resources

Other Resources

Adult Library Services Consultant

Cristy Moran (she/ her/ ella) is the Adult Library Services Senior Consultant at the Colorado State Library and is eager to consult with and support you in program development and facilitation, outreach, finding resources, assessment and evaluation, and collaborating with community partners. She is a librarian, an educator, an instructional designer, and an information literacy specialist who has worked in libraries and education for over 15 years. In supporting all Colorado libraries (including public, academic, and special libraries), Cristy's role can best be described as the adult services librarian’s librarian for Colorado.