Growing older?

Day 13/30 #blogeverydayinjune #blogjune

The more astute reader will realise Day 12 is missing ... (oops) ... but here we are again, considering the startling fact that in Australia over the next decade 25% of teachers will retire. There are similarly large figures of library workers projected to retire. This raises a number of issues for public libraries:

• local studies expertise - is it possible to be mentored by / shadow an experienced local studies librarian and assimilate years of knowledge and experience?
• children's librarians - this highly creative area demands a range of performance skills, boundless energy and enthusiasm and is sometimes subject to burnout ... will we have enough experts to keep offering the highly valued baby bounce and rhyme times, storytimes and other programs in future?
• a lot of library work is quite physical ... how will an ageing workforce handle shelving and other tasks?
• can an ageing library workforce keep pace with the rapid development of technology?

I think library workers are creative, flexible and accept that theirs is a lifelong learning profession ... I just hope we have the numbers to keep it all going.

Recycled careers?

Day 8/30 #blogjune

One of the challenges facing any professional is remaining relevant and 'at the top of their game'. In the library profession, one that is dominated by technology, there is an ongoing need to maintain and develop skills.

This article: How to Remain Relevant When You’re Over 40 includes some tips that have particular application for knowledge workers:

1. Community building.
2. Information processing.
3. Bridge building.
4. Manage your personal brand.
5. Commit to life-long learning.

Good advice for librarians ... but perhaps also good advice for libraries?