The Bridge Generation

“I am a generation X librarian. While prevailing stereotypes make many of us reluctant to assume that GenX label (no, I am not a slacker, and, no, I am not especially cynical), I take pride in my generation's accomplishments and professional potential.

After a flurry of professional interest in Generation X a few years back, the next generation of librarians, dubbed the Millennials, have now moved into the spotlight, leaving some of us in our 30s caught in the middle, nestled between boomer and Millennial colleagues, between long-term librarians and their younger customers, and between traditional librarianship and technology.

‘In the middle,’ however, can be an interesting, if at times unsettling, niche, full of possibilities. GenX librarians who recognize this potential are well positioned to take their place as movers and shakers in this profession….

Those asking what Generation X will need to lead should look at what GenXers are already doing. We are already directing our institutions from the middle, building bridges, forming connections. What we need are more examples of true leadership from the top, mentors who are willing to pass along institutional memory and to help us grow, to nurture these important relationships, and to recognize our contributions.” [Library Journal]

This column from Rachel Singer Gordon really resonates with me. In fact, I think there may even be pieces of this embedded in the current discussion of Library 2.0 with Librarian 1.0 (which Rochelle helped jumpstart and Michael Casey continues). I feel some of this myself because I’m a GenXer and it really can be difficult being stuck in the middle, and not just in the context of the potential for administrative positions. I’m not angry or upset with the generations on either side of me, but sometimes it’s tiring (and even frustrating) being the translator. Most of the time it’s motivating, stimulating, and even fun, but there are the days….

Thanks for putting this issue out there, Rachel.