College and Research Libraries
July 2002, Vol. 63, No. 4
Book Review
Urgo, Marisa. Developing Information Leaders: Harnessing the Talents of Generation X. London: Bowker-Saur (Information Services Management Series), 2000. 221p. $70 (ISBN 1857392531).
Although numerous books and articles have been published about Generation X, this one is unique in that it relates the talents of Generation X to the world of libraries and information centers. This generation should not be ignored: It brings new perspectives to the twenty-first-century workplace and will confront a whole new set of challenges as its numbers grow in the library profession. A Gen Xer herself, Marisa Urgo is knowledge manager at the U. S. Office of Minority Health Resource Center. One of her ongoing professional priorities includes researching and writing about the recruitment and retention of the next generation of information professionals. Her passion for this subject is apparent. Her writing style is clear and readable.
Urgo begins by addressing the various definitions of Generation X; the Gen Xers’ reputation as slackers who care little about society or its future is soundly refuted. On the contrary, Gen Xers bring innovative ideas concerning technology, communication, and library promotion to the working world. Throughout the book, Urgo stresses that although technology is influencing change in the library world, it will ultimately be people, especially Gen Xers, who will introduce and sustain the most meaningful changes. Gen Xers are prepared; they’ve grown up in a society characterized by constant change and welcome its challenges.
Urgo explains that Generation X librarians have a different perspective on work than those from previous generations; they see their relationship with their employers as being “an even exchange of expertise for pay and benefits.” If employers are willing to invest in their Gen X employees, their employees will be willing to invest in them. Gen Xers desire a workplace that allows them flexibility, skills development, and the opportunity to be creative. Urgo outlines the ways in which managers can improve their relationship with their Generation X employees and, at the same time, improve their library or information center by taking advantage of the zeal and creativity that Gen Xers possess. Managers need to encourage their employees to take risks that might ultimately enhance library services and also to offer training and development opportunities that give Gen Xers an incentive to stay. A careful reading of Developing Information Leaders will help library leaders to learn management techniques and recruitment, training, and development ideas specifically geared toward Generation X.
Although the intended audience for this book includes those managers who want to know more about the “big picture” concerning Generation X employees, it is also for the Generation X professionals themselves. Urgo interviewed a small sample of Generation X professionals and summarizes their concerns about library education, library employment, and the future of the information professions. She also discusses some of the issues that Gen Xers will inevitably face in their professional future: how to take an active role in the library profession, address the image problems surrounding the profession, and recruit more minorities into professional positions.
As this new wave of librarians enters the profession, it is critical that managers appreciate and channel the unique talents that we Gen Xers bring with us. As for us Gen Xers, we must be prepared to become active participants in the profession we will be leading in the very near future. In her introduction, Urgo states that this probably is the first book of its kind to explore the generational differences among professionals who are working together in library and information centers. It is a good starting point for extended discussion of this subject in that it addresses some of the more important issues determining our profession’s future.—Christine Giannoni, Dominican University.