The document discusses Generation X librarians and their unique position in the workplace, particularly in relation to technology and leadership. It highlights their proficiency with technology, experiences growing up during the rise of personal computing, and how their values shape their approach to leadership. Generation X's independence, innovation, and individualism are underscored as they navigate a multi-generational workforce while fostering collaboration and mentoring.

1. Gen X Librarians:Leading From the MiddleLisa Carlucci ThomasDigital Services Librarian, Southern Connecticut State UniversityKaren SobelReference & Instruction Librarian, University of Colorado DenverNina McHaleWeb Librarian, University of Colorado Denver

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

3. IntroductionGenerational Generalizations…Analyzing general qualities of groups of people can be positive and helpfulGenerational 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 counterproductiveThere are 20-something “digital novices” and 80-year-old “tech gurus”

4. IntroductionGeneration TerminologyTraditionalists born before mid-1940sBaby Boomersborn mid-1940s-early 1960sGeneration Xborn early/mid-1960s-early 1980sGeneration Y/Millennialsborn early 1980s-early 2000s

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

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

7. Generation X and Technology

8. Generation X and TechnologyGen X’s Increasing Access to Computers1984: 15.3% of 3-17 year olds had computer access1993: 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 TechnologyGeneration X: Between Two WorldsTypewriters and Word ProcessorsCard catalogs and OPACsPrint and ElectronicAnalog and DigitalTraditional and Social

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

11. Generation X and TechnologyGen X Attitudes Toward TechnologyProficient with technologyAccepting of change and desire to improve systemsAccording 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 GenerationTwo “sandwich” perspectives:In the library instruction classroomInteractions among librarian colleagues

13. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the ClassroomMix of Boomers, Gen X, and Gen YMany commutersMany parentsMix of income brackets & levels of education

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

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

16. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the ClassroomDuring their educations, Gen X:Learned to use computersLearned other educational technologiesResearched in printResearched onlineUsed many print and electronic formatsUsed the card catalog!Learned to *adapt*

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

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

19. Generation X at Work Bridging Gaps in the WorkplaceGen X Librarians lead in:Technology-related task forcesDigitization projects

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

21. Generation X and Leadership Making HistoryNever before – 4 generations in workplaceGeneration X:In the middle of this organizational dynamicRising into management positionsUnique values = unique benefit

22. Generation X and Leadership Generation X: Making History20th Century GenerationsTraditionalists - 39 millionBoomers – 78 millionGeneration X – 44 millionMillennials – 70 millionGeneration X is smallest entry wave of workers since 1930sLikewise, smallest entry wave of managers in leadership roles in organizations now

23. Generation X and Leadership Generation X: Making HistoryWhat 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 ValuesIndependenceInnovationIndividualismHow do these values shape the leadership behaviors of Gen X?

25. Generation X and Leadership Leadership BehaviorsIndependenceLoyal to professionRequire personal/professional life balanceSelf-driven and self-motivated“Xers … are eager to update knowledge and its application into their work.” - (Yu 4)

26. Generation X and Leadership Leadership BehaviorsInnovationFlexible, entrepreneurialApply skills in new contexts to achieve goalsThink “outside the box”“[Gen X] Uses the power of information technology to maintain competitive advantage” - (Dunne 3)

27. Generation X and Leadership Leadership BehaviorsIndividualism Define own paths for personal fulfillmentWork 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 MiddlePromoting InnovationSeek challenges, integrate lifelong learningMediating ChangeBuilding relationships, mentoring, trainingTranslating Cultural NormsMaking a difference, leaving a legacy

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

30. Generation X and Leadership Generation XDedicated, savvy, leadersIntegrated attitudes about personal/professional fulfillment, cultural and workplace diversityPromoting lifelong learning by bringing fresh perspectives, transitioning from old/new modelsOpening new doors for subsequent generations

31. Thank You!Lisa Carlucci ThomasDigital Services LibrarianSouthern Connecticut State UniversityThomasL10@southernct.edu @lisacarlucciKaren SobelReference & Instruction LibrarianUniversity of Colorado DenverKaren.Sobel@ucdenver.eduNina McHaleWeb LibrarianUniversity of Colorado DenverNina.McHale@ucdenver.edu @ninermac

32. ReferencesDeLong, 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. ReferencesPolsson, Ken. “Chronology of Personal Computers.” http://pctimeline.infoRobbins, 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 MiddleLisa Carlucci ThomasDigital Services Librarian, Southern Connecticut State UniversityKaren SobelReference & Instruction Librarian, University of Colorado DenverNina McHaleWeb Librarian, University of Colorado Denver