Gen X Librarians: Leading From the Middle
Lisa Carlucci Thomas, Digital Services Librarian, Southern Connecticut State University
Karen Sobel, Reference & Instruction Librarian, University of Colorado Denver
Nina McHale, Web Librarian, University of Colorado Denver
Nina - Generation X and Technology
Generational Generalizations...
Generational diversity can be a positive element of the workplace (Jason Martin)
There are 20-something "digital novices" and 80-year-old "tech gurus"
Generation Terminology
-Traditionalists - born before mid-1940s
-Baby Boomers - born mid-1940s to early 1960s
-Generation X - born early/mid 1960s to early 1980s
-Generation Y/Millennials - born early 1980s-early 2000s
Growing Up and Along with Technology
-Gen X librarians developed technology skills as necessary as computers were introduced for research and productivity in school and work environments
When Computers entered their lives
Boomer - after their education
Gen X - during their education
Gen Y - before their education
Generation X: Between Two Worlds
-Typewriters and word processors
-Card catalogs and OPACS
-Print and Electronic
-Analog and digital
-Traditional and Social
-Land line and Cell phones
-VCR and DVR
There has always been a generation in the middle, but tech adds a new dimension
Proficient with technology
Accepting of change
More likely to connect traditional institutions and new modes of communication
The Sandwich Generation
Two "Sandwich" Perspectives
-In the library instruction classroom
-Interactions among librarian colleagues
Generalizations
-How do we make them?
-Do we make them?
During their educations, Gen X:
-Learned to use computers
-Learned other educational technologies
-Researched in print
-Researched online
-Used many print and electronic formats
-Used the card catalog!
-Learned to adapt
Bridging Gaps in the Workplace
Gen X: "I like technology, but I'm not an addict."
What does it mean to say, "I'm not a computer person"?
Gen X Librarians lead in:
-Technology-related task forces
-digitization projects
Making History
There are currently 4 generations in workplace
-Generation x: In the middle of this organizational dynamic
-Rising into management positions
-Unique values = unique benefit
Independence
-Loyal to profession
-require personal/professional life balance
-self-driven and self-motivated
Innovation
-Flexible, entrepreneurial
-Apply skills in new contexts to achieve goals
-Think "outside the box"
Individualism
-Define own paths for personal fulfillment
-Work is a "lifestyle decision"
-Not tied into traditional career development goals
Promoting Innovation: Seek challenges, integrate lifelong learning
Mediating Change: Building relationships, mentoring, training
Translating Cultural Norms: Making a difference, leaving a legacy
**This session was not quite what I thought it would be. However it did provide some good information about generation x.***
No comments:
Post a Comment