Library Dementia Services: How to Meet the Needs of the Alzheimer's Community

by Timothy J. Dickey

There are 50 million people globally living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and tens of millions further who are their caregivers. As a public service, it is important that library and information professionals learn to serve and assist those with dementia.  
Designed for seasoned professionals and library science students alike, this book first presents a complete overview of the spectrum disease known as Alzheimer’s dementia, as well as a basic understanding of the information needs of dementia caregivers. It then explores best practices, guidelines, and concrete ideas for serving those with dementia and their caregivers,    Lifelong learning, mental stimulation, and social connections are central to libraries’ core mission. Readers, both from library and information science and in related social services and social sciences disciplines, will gain a comprehensive toolkit for service both to those in cognitive decline and their caregivers, meeting the needs of both communities with thoughtful and innovative practices.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2020

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you work in a library? Are you a Dementia Caregiver or Organization?
Did you know that the library's whole purpose is to instill lifelong love of learning (and reading)?
The Public Library (knowingly or unknowingly) helps Dementia and Alzheimer's Community every day.
If this has never been a recognized element of your organization, seriously pick up this book.
If you know nothing about Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia, this book will give you a very clear answer as to what it is and what it does.
How can the library help?
The book addresses collection development, technological elements, outreach and programming services to meet these needs. Some of these ideas may already be a part of your library's services. Now you just have to promote them. If not, it does align with every public libraries' goals and initiatives in some way in serving a broad range of patrons.
Written with love and research, Timothy J. Dickey does craft a very great and much-needed Library services guide.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only had time to skim. Looked good.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was worth borrowing through interlibrary loan for me, since my local consortium did not have a copy. The list of resources, such as consumer health information databases, was helpful for me to learn about as a librarian.