Lifelong Learning--A Public Library Perspective.

This paper presents a public library perspective on lifelong learning. The first section discusses the lifelong learning challenge, including the aims of the Australian National Marketing Strategy for Skills and Lifelong Learning, and findings of a national survey related to the value of and barriers to learning. The second section addresses the issue of the public library as a lifelong learning institution, including the diversity of clientele, and Derbyshire (Australia) Learning and Technology Access services. The third section presents a lifelong learning project, titled "Lifelong Learning--The Key to Knowledge," that was organized by the City of Swan Public Libraries (Australia) for the International Year of Older Persons, including: anticipated outcomes; lecture series topics; and program evaluation, covering demographics, value of the program, awareness of aging and seniors, overall evaluation of the program, and effectiveness of promotional material and advertising. A program of events is appended. (MES)