Rachel Singer Gordon's publication on the roles and responsibilities of NextGens (early defined as those belonging to generations X and Y) comes at an opportune time. The movement of NextGens into positions beyond entry level is starting to be felt, and those concerned with the future of the information management profession must recognise that those who will be leading that profession in 15 years or so differ substantially from their predecessors. Gordon cites the American Library Association discussions of the upcoming senior librarian shortage, and the current president of the Australian Library and Information Association takes every opportunity to publicly encourage the new entrants into information management. This is a good time to be writing about this issue, and Gordon doesn't waste the opportunity. She tells NextGens about their strengths, the responsibilities that come along with them, and is straightforward about NextGen weaknesses.
The book is the product of two surveys undertaken online in early 2005 asking respondents to answer a range of questions relating to their studying, job hunting, professional and generational experiences. Gordon enlisted 340 respondents, and quotations are littered throughout the book. If a respondent stated a point clearly, Gordon would rather use their quote than give her own interpretation, and this gives the reader the impression that the book is authentic and realistic, if at times a little disjointed.
Gordon clarifies her position early in the first chapter – she's not obsessed with pigeonholing people into generational stereotypes, however, she does make a good argument for using generational trends as a model for understanding changes. The number of examples given in the book justifies this method. Gordon talks about, for example, the impact on organisations of employing people with a different outlook on information delivery methods, with different forms of organisational or professional loyalty, and with different goals regarding work/life balance.
For the most part, the book addresses NextGens directly, speaking to them as a peer. The tone of the book is light (reflecting its origins as an online survey) without insulting the reader. Gordon introduces concepts smoothly and methodically, and avoids jargon. At the beginning of each chapter she explains why the issue being covered is a NextGen issue, whether it is exclusive to this group or not. This is a very easy book to read. The phrasing is often understandably, but disappointingly, US‐centric, however none of the concepts, arguments or suggestions are limited to a US viewpoint, and Gordon's many references to online resources include many web sites from outside the USA
The content has substance. Gordon addresses the NextGen vs. NewGrad debate (i.e. how many NextGen characteristics are shared by baby boomer new graduates?) and speaks pragmatically about the impact of professional or age‐based stereotypes. Despite acknowledging recent rapid changes, she's not afraid to speculate on future trends. Her no‐nonsense approach to the fabled librarian shortage is refreshing. The final chapter changes the tone a little, and is an address to library administrators – talking directly to the managers about how they can best take advantage of what NextGens have to offer.
This book is a clear and practical overview of NextGens – who they are, what they want, and how they can go about getting it. Suggestions abound, and I found myself wishing I had read the book a little earlier – halfway through my library studies would have been the perfect time. It gives NextGens a way to connect with others in similar situations worldwide, as well as treating the advice provided by their predecessors with respect. The book is, on the whole, useful and enjoyable.
