The document discusses opportunities and challenges for libraries in engaging with Millennial users. It presents results from a survey of librarians on their perceptions of Millennials and how libraries could connect with them. Common views of Millennials were that they are fast-paced, multi-tasking, and tech-savvy. Opportunities identified were leveraging technology and encouraging creativity. Challenges included keeping up with technology changes and meeting high expectations for online content and services.

1. Millennials and Libraries: Opportunities and Challenges Lisa M. Metzer Learning Librarian National Geographic Society [email_address] Link to presentation visual outline Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

2. Outline Who are the Millennials? Survey Case study Educating the Net Generation The Academic Library and the Net Gen Student Discussion Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

3. Who are the Millennials? The Millennials are defined as those born in 1982 and approximately the 20 years thereafter (Neil Howe and William Strauss from Millennials Rising ). Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

4. AKA Millennials Generation Y Gen Y Net Generation Echo Boomers Generation Me Other? Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

5. A Survey When you think of this generation, what characteristic first comes to mind? Please name only one. Name one opportunity you envision for libraries and this generation. Name one challenge you envision for libraries and this generation. What question do you have for or about this generation related to libraries? Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

6. A Case Study Methodology ILI-L listserv (ALA) DC-SLA listserv Distributed October 10, 2008 Collected by email 15 people replied Data informs further research Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

7. Survey Results Characteristics 3 related - speed / fast 2 related - Multi-tasking 2 related - techy / online 3 related - positive / confidence Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

8. Characteristics Word Cloud Word cloud designed using Wordle

9. Opportunities and Challenges Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

10. Survey Results Opportunities Technology - 7 related Creativity - 3 related Working together / Participation - 2 related Challenges Maintaining relevance - 3 related Keeping up with technology - 2 related Expectation for everything online - 3 related Research takes time - 3 related Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

11. Survey Results Questions How do you like to get things done? I want a better picture of how they prefer to work - both the environment and the process. What would happen if we let the Millennials design their own libraries? What would they keep? get rid of? add? How are the other generations being trained to work with this generation? Will this generation even consider library science as a career? Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

12. Survey Results Questions Describe your ideal librarian. Do they actually benefit from a library's attempts to use social networking as much as we (librarians) hope they do? They expect instant gratification - how can we make sure they can distinguish authoritative information and not just take the first thing that comes up? Do they envision a world where the library equates to a museum of yesterday's ideas...or that it becomes a place for them to learn, share, and create the ideas of tomorrow? Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

13. Educating the Net Generation Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008 Diana G. Oblinger, Ph.D. Copyright Diana G. Oblinger, 2005.

14. Educating the Net Generation Net Gen learning preferences: Teams, peer-to-peer Engagement & experience Visual & kinesthetic Things that matter Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

15. Educating the Net Generation Concerns / Challenges: Web as information universe not the library Source quality Text literacy Short attention span Multitasking Fast response time Reflection Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

16. Educating the Net Generation What can we do? / Opportunities: Make learning interactive and experiential Consider peer-to-peer approaches Utilize real-world applications Emphasize information literacy in courses Mix online and face-to-face Encourage reflection Create opportunities for synthesis Use informal learning opportunities Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

17. Educating the Net Generation Student Advice : Be engaging; challenge us Be responsive: answer voice mails and emails; office hours still matter Be seen: we’d like to see you and get to know you outside of class Set boundaries: tell us when you’re available Use technology appropriately: don’t be “Power Pointless” Use real world, relevant examples Be an active participant in class; show you are excited about the subject Ask students what they think Not everything needs to be on the Web Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

18. The Academic Library and the Net Gen Student Book by Susan Gibbons American Library Association, 2007 Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

19. The Academic Library and the Net Gen Student Chapter 2 - The Net Generation: Sheltered and protected lives Conventional "Helicopter parents" (parent presence) Special (customization) High self esteem Confident Optimistic Team-oriented Pressured (pressure to achieve) Multi-taskers Digitally and visually literate Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

20. Collect Surveys Open Discussion of Questions Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008

21. Resources Millennials and Libraries; October 24, 2008 Visual Outline: Millennials Presentation (url to view online) Visual Outline: Millennials Challenges and Opportunities (url to view online) The Academic Library and the Net Gen Student (ALA publication) Educating the Net Generation (url to online pdf) Books by Howe and Strauss (3) Articles (2)

22. Thank You!