Managing the Multigenerational Librarian Workforce

Managing the Multigenerational Librarian Workforce examines how libraries are undergoing a massive shift in their workforce. As baby boomers retire, an influx of Gen Y and millennials has taken their place. This book presents the differences that generational groups bring to the workforce, along with a working mindset that has been shaped, at least in part, by when they were educated and spent their formative early-career years. For the librarian manager, it is important to understand the needs and perspectives of various generations and the career stages they are in if they are to effectively manage the library.

Presents information on the reality of multigenerational workforces in libraries and how to manage expectations and differencesAddresses the challenges of having many kinds of staff, some of which will stem from differing generational perspectives Provides practical advice on how to recognize different perspectives and how to work with librarians in different career phases and from different generations

1. Discussion on the evolving workforce of libraries
2. Debunking the librarian stereotype – What does experience and the research tell us about librarian communication styles, conflict modes, leadership styles, etc.
3. Baby-librarians – Working with and managing your newest librarians (communication, expectations, misconceptions, mentoring)
4. Specialist librarians – Working with and managing specialists on your team (support, expectations, considerations of expertise, retaining, providing challenges)
5. Mid-career librarians – Working with and managing your mid-career librarians (parenthood, tenure, long term career goals, providing opportunities and challenges in flat organizations)
6. Late-career librarians- Managing and working with the late-career librarians (considerations of expertise, succession planning, retirement planning)
7. Managing through high turnover (maternity leaves, sabbaticals, retirements, the 7 year itch, attracting and retaining librarians)
8. Managing conflict among your cross-generational librarian workforce
9. Equity and diversity in your librarian workforce
10. Mature manager vs. young manager – challenges of being either, or….
11. Conclusion – Final thoughts and advice on the cross generational librarian workforce, looking towards the future and implications for our organizations