Characteristics of the Four-generational Library Workplace

Workplaces like the library are now, for the first time, seeing four different generations––Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and Millennials––working together. Each of these generations brings with it its own characteristics and approach to work. This paper examines the characteristics of each of these generations and how they differ from one another on five important factors: relationship with the organization, relationship with authority, relationship with colleagues, work styles and management styles. It concludes with a brief overview of the strengths of a multi-generation workplace.