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Unit 6: Public Libraries

toward technology, many could qualify as Digital Natives, but are still technically Digital Notes
Immigrants. Fortunately, they did not acquire the aversion traits of their parents regarding
technology, so they can all be considered Digital Natives in their behaviour.
Generation Y are so labelled as a follow on to the previous Generation X, but self-labelled
as Millennials (wanting to disassociate themselves with the previous GenX). Most
distinctively, they are indeed a “new” generation of learner, consumer, and citizen and
library customer – the Millennial Customer.
Millennials are typified by their use of instant communication technologies, are also
somewhat peer-oriented (which means they prefer the opinions of anonymous peers to
that of “experts”), are into self-expression and acceptance, are more culturally tolerant
than previous generations, have an inclination for delaying some of the rites of passage
into adulthood, and trend toward living with their parents for longer than previous
generations. They are generally considered the “Trophy Kids”, due to the “everybody’s a
winner” approach to group activities, and as a result tend toward generational consensus
building. They like to work collaboratively, and prefer to shape their jobs to fit their lives
rather than adapt their lives to the workplace. They also believe in “doing” as opposed to
“learning to do”.

5. Supporting Democracy as Library Purpose: Librarians need to be assertive, work to change
their image with the public, go and make connections between people and information,
train people for information in a democracy and promote the library as a centre for
democracy. Here there is a clear focus to all the services, goals, objectives, and technology.
Librarians reported that for many in their communities, the library was the only point of
access for the internet. Others who have access elsewhere often turned to the library for
assistance and one on one support and training in using the computer and accessing the
Internet. Still others find that the library‘s Internet is faster and more efficient then their
home or work connections. In addition, more and more government agencies at all levels
are moving to serve clients through web-based resources, with some services being now
primarily available only online. Government agencies are now referring their service
recipients to public libraries as places in which to receive both access to online services
and assistance.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
5. The need to secure funding and insure the continuance of the library relates to the
………………… structures and tendencies of the library.
6. ……………….. language literacy provides the opportunity to participate globally, to forge
and reinforce connections and to support self-esteem.
7. ……………………. people are mostly Digital Immigrants by birth, and for the most part
represent those now reaching middle age.
8. ……………….. are generally considered the “Trophy Kids”, due to the “everybody’s a
winner” approach to group activities, and as a result tend toward generational consensus
building.

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