| I was speaking at a convention a year or so back, and an elder librarian made the statement that these “younger kids have no work ethic.” A rather spirited dialogue ensued, led primarily by the younger librarians in the audience, most of which were offended by the remark. I quickly diffused the situation, but left thinking there was a real challenge in our libraries that I hadn’t given due notice to – a new generation gap. This term was common in the ‘60s but one you don’t hear much nowadays. Even though now the problem may be more severe.
Like a good Phd, I researched the topic at length over the next several months and created a training program for it. Here are some insights from that “Generations in the Library” program to consider:
In the modern library, there are 4 distinctly different generations working together, each with distinctly unique characteristics. These “trademarks” are often the source of friction. These generations are; Traditionalists, Baby boomers, Generation X, and Millennials.
- Traditionalists are loyal to the library and expect loyalty in return. They
often believe that recognition and promotion should come through tenure.
Their frame of reference comes from growing up in the wake of WWII and the
Korean War. They are sometimes known as the GI Generation.
- Baby Boomers believe that the “work ethic” is the ultimate measuring stick regarding themselves and others. They value relationships and expect loyalty from others. They grew up during the Cold War, the rise of civil rights and television.
- Generation Xer’s tend to desire open communication regardless of rank or title, and value production or performance over seniority. They look for a person to extend loyalty to – not the organization. Frame of reference could include MTV, working mothers and the Challenger disaster.
- Millennials want freedom to achieve their goals, constant communication and positive reinforcement. A less-stress approach to tasks is highly desired. Their frame of reference includes the Columbine shootings, 9/11, and the rise of the Internet.
Often, we assume the other generation is “wrong” because they don’t see things the way we do, when in fact they have only developed though a different paradigm indicative of their generation.
Conflict occurs when we succumb to judging others based on this stereotype.
When you look at it this way you can see how the generations see things through a different paradigm or point of view. Their way of thinking is every bit as "right" to them as our ideals are "right" to us. Seeking to understand these differences are the key to improving relationships and communication.
“There is a much to learn from each generation as there is to teach” – Gloria Steinem | 
