Finding resources without a phonebook

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While many have turned to online searches for telephone and address information, all but making phonebooks obsolete, this has made accessing information difficult for those without access to or not comfortable with technology, such as seniors.

The first printed telephone directory, a piece of cardboard listing 50 individuals, businesses and offices, was published in 1780 in New Haven, Connecticut. From there, phonebooks became a household mainstay for over a hundred years, arriving at the door through the mail and providing people a connection with residents, businesses and organizations.

The first electronic directory was created in France in 1981, on a system called Mintiel. Following the widespread adoption of the internet, telephone directories first went online in 1996, when both Yellowpages.com and Whitepages.com were launched. From there, it was only about a decade before searching numbers online completely replaced finding them by flipping through a phonebook.

With less eyes on the phonebook, advertisers moved away too, making them less financially viable for publishers. Also, some communities have outright banned them, citing them as wasteful or harmful to the environment.

But the demise of the phonebook has created a gap for people who do not have access to the internet, or who are not comfortable searching for things online. Not everyone owns a computer or smartphone, and some rural areas have inconsistent or expensive internet.

But there are some options to finding information.

One of the best local physical resources available is the Seniors Resource Handbook, a printed directory of services and organizations in Strathmore and Wheatland County. The book, produced by Bridging the Gap, provides a description of each organization and service, as well as their main phone number, contacts and other information. The book can be picked up from the Wheatland County office, Strathmore FCSS and the Strathmore Public Health Office (650 Westchester Rd).

Residents also have the option to call directory assistance (411). However, this costs money, typically about $2 to $2.50 per call. People with accessibility issues may contact their phone service provider to be registered for free 411 service.

Another option is visiting the Strathmore Municipal Library, where staff members will help visitors locate information they need. The library also provides computers with internet connections, as well as technical training workshops to help residents learn how to use them. There is also an online Town of Strathmore business directory (www.strathmore business directory.ca) which could be printed with some assistance.

The town’s Senior’s Advisory Committee understands there are many seniors without access to general information because of not having technology, said Councillor Denise Peterson, committee chair, in an email. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group provided multiple coffee meetings every month and one information meeting per month to disseminate information. While these efforts are now sidelined, they could be an option for seniors and others looking to connect when things return to normal.