The NextGen Librarian's Survival Guide

Citation

Lee Eden, B. (2007), "The NextGen Librarian's Survival Guide", Collection Building, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 94-94. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950710761670

This book focuses on the needs and career objectives for new librarians coming into the field, specifically those in the GenXers and Millennials groups. GenXers are defined by the book as those librarians in their 20s and 30s, born between 1965 and 2000. The author is a NextGen librarian herself, and is a prolific writer and columnist on this topic.

Chapter 1 details exactly what a “next generation” librarian is and some of the challenges they are facing as they enter the job market. Chapter 2 discusses issues related to library school, including how to find the right one, how to pay for it, how to manage your time and resources and what is involved in doing a doctorate in information and/or library science. The job hunt is the topic of Chapter 3. Online resources are detailed, as well as landmines to avoid, how to expand one's marketability, and what to do if you do not succeed immediately. Chapter 4 is about surviving entry‐level positions, what types of responsibilities might be involved, how to work with older and less flexible librarians, and what strengths and expectations the NextGen librarian brings into the workplace, as well as how to deal with others' perceptions. Chapter 5 is about moving to the next job: what is involved in career planning, building, transitioning, professional development, preparing for lifelong learning, and how to energize the environment.

Dealing with stereotypes, diversity and images is the focus of Chapter 6, and the author provides some statistical information regarding the library workforce and advice on how to deal with these types of situations when they arise. Chapter 7 has to do with establishing a network of colleagues, attending conferences and finding a mentor. Chapter 8 addresses the work/life balance: how to stay connected with family and friends and maintaining an appropriate balance between home and work. Transforming the profession is the topic of Chapter 9, and the author discusses issues such as leadership, challenges such as budget cuts and technology, and how to make oneself heard in the organizational culture. Finally, Chapter 10 is a note to library administrators on their responsibilities towards NextGen librarians.

There are two appendices: one that details the survey and results that initiated the content of this book, and web sites of interest. There is also a recommended reading section. Overall, this is a nice book for those individuals who fit into the parameters of a NextGen librarian, and want to know how to meet the challenges and opportunities of the current marketplace and culture within librarianship.