The Age Demographics of Librarians and the Organizational Challenge Facing Academic Libraries

Abstract

The age demographics of the librarian workforce will create organizational challenges for academic libraries. The large baby boomer cohort, which is approaching retirement, needs to be replaced by millennials. There are a relatively small number of librarians in the Gen X cohort and in most cases, they have come late to leadership opportunities. Creating an organization that uses the skills and abilities of all three generations will be challenging and will require attention to both organizational structure and culture. It will also require a purposeful focus on leadership development and the provision of opportunities for people throughout the organization so that all can make significant contributions and can meaningfully influence the work and direction of the library.