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The Next Generation of Librarians How OCLC helps library schools Library student brings different perspective to OCLC advisory group Joanne Marshall on library and information science education Windows or Web? Choice is a great thing 
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The Next Generation of LibrariansTechnology-savvy and comfortable with the Web, these MLS graduates are passionate about public service and the values of librarianship—and ready to take on the digital worldBy Tom Storey and Carrie Lauer The library world knows it’s coming. Over the next 15 years, librarians will retire en masse, taking with them a collective knowledge and experience that will be hard to replace. The exodus starts in 2011, when the first wave of Boomer librarians reaches 65. Eight years later, more than 50 percent of today’s librarians will have left the field. The unprecedented retirement numbers contribute to an image of a profession in decline—one with a diminishing role in the self-serve, digital age. Contrary to popular media impressions, however, libraries are alive and thriving. Most are experiencing record numbers for circulation and visits, as well as reference questions. And while a surge of retirements will occur between now and 2020, a new generation of librarians full of energy and enthusiasm is ready to build an exciting future on the proud traditions they inherit. They are Internet-enabled and user centered, and they view the profession as essential in organizing knowledge and helping people find information they need. The OCLC Newsletter talked to five MLS graduates to get their views and aspirations for librarianship. Among their commonly held beliefs: Librarianship is still a passion. There is a “calling” to the profession and it centers on serving people. Cooperation, resource sharing and public service are among the reasons for entering librarianship. The Web is a tool. While some view the Web as a threat to libraries, these graduates use the Web and accept its popularity—but also understand its limitations. It’s not the Web versus the library, rather the Web and the library. Technology drives change. New technology and new ideas help evolve libraries to meet users’ changing needs. Libraries need to assess, plan and balance longterm goals and services with the promises and drawbacks of new technologies. Following are short profiles on these individuals that tell you who they are, what they believe and where they want to take the profession.
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