I presented this at Computers in Libraries 2010, with Nina McHale and Lisa Carlucci Thomas. We discuss Generation X's roles in the library workplace, as well as its interaction with the other generations currently working in libraries.

1. 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

2. Introduction Generation X and Technology (Nina) Generation X at Work (Karen) Generation X and Leadership (Lisa)

3. Introduction Generational Generalizations… Analyzing general qualities of groups of people can be positive and helpful Generational diversity can be a positive element of the workplace (Jason Martin) Assigning traits of a generation to and making assumptions about individuals can be hurtful and counterproductive There are 20-something “digital novices” and 80-year-old “tech gurus”

4. Introduction Generation Terminology Traditionalists born before mid-1940s Baby Boomers born mid-1940s-early 1960s Generation X born early/mid-1960s-early 1980s Generation Y/Millennials born early 1980s-early 2000s

5. Generation X and Technology Growing Up (Along) With Technology Gen X librarians developed technology skills as necessary as computers were introduced for research and productivity in school and work environments Earlier generations generally added computer skills to their professional skills after completing college and joining the work force Gen Y/Millennials have used computers since childhood

6. Generation X and Technology Growing Up (Along) With Technology When computers entered their lives: Boomer librarians – after their educations Gen X librarians – during their educations Gen Y librarians – before or toward the beginning of their educations

7. Generation X and Technology

8. Generation X and Technology Gen X’s Increasing Access to Computers 1984: 15.3% of 3-17 year olds had computer access 1993: 31.9% of the same group had access “…during this ten-year period, Generation Xers aged from early teens into twenty-somethings.” -Marisa Urgo, Developing Information Leaders: Harnessing the Talents of Generation X

9. Generation X and Technology Generation X: Between Two Worlds Typewriters and Word Processors Card catalogs and OPACs Print and Electronic Analog and Digital Traditional and Social

10. Generation X and Technology Parallels in Personal Lives There has always been a generation in the middle, *but*… tech adds a new dimension. The “Sandwich Generation” Added to Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2006 Tech support for parents and grandparents

11. Generation X and Technology Gen X Attitudes Toward Technology Proficient with technology Accepting of change and desire to improve systems According to Pew Research Center, Gen X is the most likely group to “bank, shop, and look for health information online” Connecting traditional institutions and new modes of communication

12. Generation X at Work More About The Sandwich Generation Two “sandwich” perspectives: In the library instruction classroom Interactions among librarian colleagues

13. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Classroom Mix of Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y Many commuters Many parents Mix of income brackets & levels of education

14. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Classroom Generalizations… How (Do?) we make them? How can they assist our students?

15. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Classroom Learning computer skills and content simultaneously

16. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Classroom 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*

17. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Workplace Generation X: “I like technology, but I’m not an addict.”

18. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Workplace What does it mean to say: “I’m not a computer person”?

19. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Workplace Gen X Librarians lead in: Technology-related task forces Digitization projects

20. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the Workplace Gen X “Training the Trainer” Programs such as the “23 Things” Group training on new technologies One-on-one tech tutoring

21. Generation X and Leadership Making History Never before – 4 generations in workplace Generation X: In the middle of this organizational dynamic Rising into management positions Unique values = unique benefit

22. Generation X and Leadership Generation X: Making History 20th Century Generations Traditionalists - 39 million Boomers – 78 million Generation X – 44 million Millennials – 70 million Generation X is smallest entry wave of workers since 1930s Likewise, smallest entry wave of managers in leadership roles in organizations now

23. Generation X and Leadership Generation X: Making History What are the work values of Gen X? How do these values shape Gen X leadership behaviors? What is the benefit to organizations?

24. Generation X and Leadership Work Values Independence Innovation Individualism How do these values shape the leadership behaviors of Gen X?

25. Generation X and Leadership Leadership Behaviors Independence Loyal to profession Require personal/professional life balance Self-driven and self-motivated “Xers … are eager to update knowledge and its application into their work.” - (Yu 4)

26. Generation X and Leadership Leadership Behaviors Innovation Flexible, entrepreneurial Apply skills in new contexts to achieve goals Think “outside the box” “[Gen X] Uses the power of information technology to maintain competitive advantage” - (Dunne 3)

27. Generation X and Leadership Leadership Behaviors Individualism Define own paths for personal fulfillment Work is a “lifestyle decision” Not tied into traditional career development goals “Personal fulfillment is intrinsically linked to professional success” - (Feyerherm 1)

28. Generation X and Leadership Leading from the Middle Promoting Innovation Seek challenges, integrate lifelong learning Mediating Change Building relationships, mentoring, training Translating Cultural Norms Making a difference, leaving a legacy

29. Generation X and Leadership Generation X Self-centered, skeptical, slackers? Independent, innovative, individuals?

30. Generation X and Leadership Generation X Dedicated, savvy, leaders Integrated attitudes about personal/professional fulfillment, cultural and workplace diversity Promoting lifelong learning by bringing fresh perspectives, transitioning from old/new models Opening new doors for subsequent generations

31. Thank You! Lisa Carlucci Thomas Digital Services Librarian Southern Connecticut State University ThomasL10@southernct.edu @lisacarlucci Karen Sobel Reference & Instruction Librarian University of Colorado Denver Karen.Sobel@ucdenver.edu Nina McHale Web Librarian University of Colorado Denver Nina.McHale@ucdenver.edu @ninermac

32. References DeLong, Katheleen. “The Engagement of New Library Professionals in Leadership.” Journal of Academic Librarianship 35.5 (2009): 445-456. Dunne, Matt. “Policy Leadership, Gen X Style.” National Civic Review 86.3 (1997). Feyerherm, Ann, and Yvonne H. Vick. “Generation X Women in High Technology.” Career Development International 10.3 (2005): 216-227. Gesell, Izzy. “How to Lead When the Generation Gap Becomes Your Everyday Reality.” Journal for Quality & Participation (January 2010) 21-24. Hutley, Sue, and TerenaSolomons. “Generational Change in Australian Librarianship: Viewpoints from Generation X.” Paper presented at ALIA 2004. Martin, Jason. “I Have Shoes Older than You: Generational Diversity in the Library,” The Southeastern Librarian 54.3 (2006): 4-11. McIntosh-Elkins, Jeni, and McRitchie, Karen, and Maureen Scoones. “From the Silent Generation to Generation X, Y, and Z: Strategies for Managing the Generation Mix.” Proceedings of the 35th Annual Association for Computing Machinery User Services Conference (SIGUCCS), 2007. O’Connor, Steve. “The heretical library manager for the future.” Library Management 28.1/2 (2007): 62-71. Pew Research Center. “Generations Online in 2009.” http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/Generations-Online-in-2009.aspx

33. References Polsson, Ken. “Chronology of Personal Computers.” http://pctimeline.info Robbins, LaToya M. “Bridging the Gap in Leadership Development within Generation X and Y.” Seminar Research Paper Presented to the Graduate Faculty, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 2008. Seaton, L. Jeff, and Boyd, Michael. “The Organizational Leadership of the Post Baby Boom Generation: An Upper Eschelon Theory Approach.” Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal 13.2 (2007): 69-78. Sessa, Valerie, et. al. “Generational Differences in Leader Values and Leadership Behaviors.” Psychologist-Manager Journal 10.1 (2007): 47-74. Spence, Lisa A. “Preferences for Leader Traits and Leadership Communication Styles Among Members of Different Generational Cohorts.” Thesis Presented to the Faculty in Communication and Leadership Studies, School of Professional Studies, Gonzaga University, 2009. Urgo, Marissa. Developing Information Leaders: Harnessing the Talents of Generation X. Yu, Huichun, and Peter Miller. “Leadership Style – The X Generation and Baby Boomers compared in different cultural contexts.” Graduate College of Management Papers, Southern Cross University, 2005.

34. 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