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Title:
"The NextGen Librarian's Survival Guide"
Review:
The young librarians' profession is no longer defined by stable institutions or predictable career paths. Instead, NextGens -- those in their 20s and 30s -- face a world of budget cuts and decreasing opportunities. Older generations may not welcome their ideas and leadership. They must deal with changing expectations of what libraries will be in the future.
Enter 'The NextGen Librarian's Survival Guide', Rachel Singer Gordon's excellent guide to surviving the early years of professional engagement. Her credentials as a successful NextGen professional are well-documented: 'The Librarian's Guide to Writing for Publication' and 'The Accidental Library Manager' are two of her most recent books, and she's the creator of LISjobs.com and the Info Career Trends newsletter.
Survival Guide describes the parameters of NextGen librarianship: the unique characteristics of this demographic and its issues and opportunities. It also considers approaches to graduate school, the job hunt, entry-level positions and 'moving forward'. Overall, Gordon addresses image, stereotypes and diversity; building professional connections; work/life balance; and taking leadership in transforming the profession. She concludes by asking library administrators to address the 'big three' NextGen issues: "a lack of entry-level opportunities, a lack of sustainable salaries and a lack of opportunity to be a full participant in the profession".
Profiles, resources and statistics are woven throughout, adding counter-balances or opposing viewpoints. Many quotes are excerpted from a 2005 survey identifying attitudes and experiences regarding NextGen librarianship from two vantage points: one for librarians, library workers and MLIS students under 40, and one for those over. An appendix brings together all referenced websites, and her recommended reading list goes beyond the expected. She includes such non-LIS thought leaders as Warren Bennis (leadership), Don Tapscott (the 'Net generation) and Ron Zemke (intergenerational workplace issues).
Gordon acknowledges the difficulty in drawing generalized conclusions from a diverse group. They 'share a certain commonality of experience that affects how they view the profession, how their colleagues view them and their experiences in trying to break into the library field'. At the same time, some NextGens have had years of experience working in libraries while others have had none, radically influencing their individual employability. Nevertheless, for its primary audience, i.e., NextGen students and new professionals, this guide provides invaluable, practical information -- and lots of it.
Going beyond insider how-to tips, the guide's strategy-and-tactics focus is buttressed by wise counsel to take responsibility for one's actions, attitudes and outcomes. Gordon notes:
We can think about our overlapping experiences and outlooks as real- life Venn diagrams, looking both at where they intersect and where they differ. This helps us avoid the trap of either thinking all of our experiences are unique to our age or of overemphasizing age.
In her chapter 'Transforming the Profession', Gordon points out that 'the critical mass of next-generation librarians moving into the workplaces, combined with changing user expectations, changing technology and a changing institutional image, translates into both the ability and the responsibility to drive change'. This balanced, positive approach will help any NextGen navigate early career challenges and become a leader.
The NextGen Librarian's Survival Guide should also be required reading for those who manage and teach NextGen employees. Those people are on the forefront of the developmental work necessary for effective succession planning. As Ms. Gordon points out, if we don't start finding ways to acknowledge and integrate our NextGen colleagues now, our best and brightest may take their energy, tech savvy and passion elsewhere.
FreePint Reviewer:
Kim Dority is an information consultant specialising in information strategy and content development. She teaches a course in alternative careers for LIS professionals in the University of Denver MLIS program http://www.du.edu/LIS. Kim can be reached at kimdority@gkdority.com
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