generational change in australian librarianship : viewpoints from generation x sue hutley terena...
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Generational Changein Australian Librarianship :
Viewpoints from Generation X
Sue Hutley Terena Solomons
Manager Manager
UQ Ipswich Library Hollywood Hospital Library
Background
2001 – potential shortage identified by United States
Managing between the generations Different values, experiences, styles,
and attitudes create Misunderstandings Frustrations
Australian Library Demographics
19.1
0%
9.9
0%
28.8
0%
30.2
5%
31.6
0%
44.3
5%
20.5
0%
15.6
0%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Percentage
Under 35 35-44 45-54 55+
Age
Library Workforce Age Profile
Librarians
Technicians
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey and DWER trend data, to February 2004
Australian Library Demographics
20% of Australian Librarian population may retire between 2005 and 2010
and, a further 32% may retire between 2010 and 2020
19.1
0%
9.9
0%
28.8
0%
30.2
5%
31.6
0%
44.3
5%
20.5
0%
15.6
0%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Percentage
Under 35 35-44 45-54 55+
Age
Library Workforce Age Profile
Librarians
Technicians
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey and DWER trend data, to February 2004
Australian Population Projections5.14 POPULATION, Summary indicators
Units 1947 1971 2002 2021(a) 2051(a)
Total population 000 7,579.4 13,067.3 19,662.8 23,368.4 26,421.5
Proportion of population aged (years)
0-14 % 25.1 28.7 20.3 16.1 14.0
15-64 % 66.8 63.0 67.1 64.9 58.9
65-84 % 7.7 7.8 11.2 16.5 21.1
85 and over % 0.4 0.5 1.4 2.5 6.0
Males per 100 females no. 100.4 101.1 98.4 98.7 98.7
Median age years 30.7 27.5 35.9 41.2 46.8
Proportion living in capital cities % 51.2 63.2 63.9 64.5 66.6
(a) Series B population projections
Source: Australian Demographic Statistics (3101.0); Australian Demography, 1947; Population Projections, Australia (3222.0).
Veterans / Traditionalists Veterans / Traditionalists / Silent Generation (1922-1943) "heads down, onward and upward" attitude live out a work ethic shaped
during the Great Depression Motivated by duty, tradition, and loyalty Happiest when everyone is happy Great mediators
Influences Great Depression, Roaring Twenties, World War I &II, Korean War
Characteristics Patriotic, loyal, “waste not, want not,” faith in institutions Military influenced top-down approach Value Logic and Discipline Don’t Like Change Want to Build a Legacy
Key Word: Loyal
Baby Boomers Baby Boomers (1943 to 1960) Vacillate between their overwhelming need to succeed and their growing desire
to slow down and enjoy life Experienced post-war optimism Went to college/university in record numbers prolonged childhood stage and
fosters idealistic 60s and 70s Material well being Favour status quo or incrementalism with decision making process Have been described as self-absorbed, materialistic, and externally motivated Have more workaholics than Gen X
Influences Suburbia, TV, protests, human rights movement, drugs, and rock ‘n roll
Characteristics Idealistic, COMPETITIVE, question authority “Me” Generation Money, Title, Recognition Want to build a Stellar Career
Key Word: Optimistic
Generation X Generation X (1961 to 1980) Try to prove themselves constantly yet dislike the image of being overly
ambitious, disrespectful, and irreverent Tend to be skeptical, realistic, responsible, pragmatic, self-confident,
independent thinkers who are not easily intimidated by authority Believe work should be fun and value quality of life, working to live not living to
work More loyal to individuals than organizations More likely to leave a job for higher salary than Boomers
Influences Sesame Street, MTV, Game Boy, PC, divorce rate tripled, latch-key children
Characteristics Eclectic, resourceful, self-reliant, distrustful of institutions Highly adaptive to change and technology Need a balance between work and life - Freedom Flexible and Motivated Want to Build a Portable Career
Key Word: Skepticism
Generation Y Millennials, Generation Next, Digital Generation (1981 – 2000) New to the workforce, mix savvy with social conscience and promise to further change
the business landscape Generation of consumers Grew up with technology Optimistic and goal oriented Expect a 24/7 society/workplace Favour multiple projects over one focused area Thrive on challenging work and creative expression “They are like Generation X on fast-forward with high self-esteem”
Influences Expanded technology, natural disasters, violence, diversity
Characteristics Globally concerned, realistic, cyber literate, “personal safety” is number one concern Want work to be meaningful Have been involved their entire life
Key Word: Realistic
Trad. Boomers GenX GenY
Slogan“Keepers of the Grail”
“Thank God, its Monday”
“Work to Live”
“Upcoming Optimists”
Tech.Unsure and
resistant Willing to
learn Techno Savvy
Technological Superior
Feeling toward super-visors Respectful
of authority
Non-authoritarian
Dislike close super- vision
Respectful of Traditionalists
Provide Stable environment
Personal challenges
Feedback Structure
Balance
Balance
Traditionalists “Support me in shifting the balance”
Baby Boomers “Help me balance everyone else and find meaning myself”
Generation X “Give me balance now, not when I’m sixty-five.”
Generation Y “Work isn’t everything ; flexibility to balance my activities is.”
Reward
Reward
Traditionalists “Satisfaction of job well done”
Baby Boomers “Money, title, recognition”
Generation X “Freedom!”
Generation Y “Work that has meaning”
Career
Career Path
Traditionalists “Job changing has stigma”
Baby Boomers “Job changing puts you behind”
Generation X “Job changing is necessary”
Generation Y “Doesn’t need to be a straight line”
Feedback
Feedback
Traditionalists “No news is good news”
Baby Boomers “Once a year whether needed or not, with lots of documentation”
Generation X “Sorry to interrupt, but how am I doing?”
Generation Y “Feedback whenever I want it at the touch of a button”
Conclusions
Be aware of when retirements are going to happen Work to ensure that skills and corporate knowledge
don’t get left behind Place strong emphasis on staff development
initiatives Encourage inclusion from both Gen X & Y librarians
and library staff in decision making Understand that the new generation of librarian and
library staff need more freedom and trust and that they may not stay long if they don’t get it
Think about how you will encourage young people to become the librarians of the future