Abstract

This study aims to develop and propose an operational model for dementia prevention programs that public libraries can carry out in local communities, based on the increasing dementia risk in a super-aged society and the prevention-oriented policy stance. A literature review and domestic and international case analyses were conducted, and surveys were administered to 72 older adults (in person) who participated in dementia prevention programs at public libraries in Daegu and to 153 public librarians (online); the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that older adults showed a high perceived need for dementia prevention services in public libraries and a high intention to participate in future programs, and that program satisfaction and intention to recommend were also high, confirming acceptability. In contrast, during the participation process, needs for improvement were identified with respect to registration procedures as well as promotion and accessibility. Librarians likewise agreed on the need for the services, but tended to prefer resource-based services, perceiving substantial burdens related to program planning and implementation and communication with users. Reflecting these priority differences between older adults and librarians, this study proposes a collaborative model that allocates roles between libraries (space, resources, outreach, and accessibility support) and professional agencies such as Dementia Relief Centers (content, instructors, and counseling/referral support), based on a five-stage virtuous-cycle structure of Preparation, Design, Implementation, Collaboration, and Evaluation. This model is expected to enhance the feasibility of dementia prevention services in public libraries and to serve as foundational data for their standardization and dissemination.