Abstract
Abstract
Generational labels are often used to help define patron groups in library research, but what happens when the tables are turned and Librarians are asked to examine generational groupings applied to themselves and their workplaces? This poster examines the results of an international survey regarding generational group membership conducted amongst health sciences librarians and health information professionals. The survey was built using Pew Research Center year ranges and definitions for the generations, and participants were asked to indicate what generation they belonged to by year of birth, and whether they agreed with the characteristics and labels assigned to their year of birth. The results of this survey indicate that whether or not health sciences librarians agree with the generations as a label and grouping, the strong opinions and wildly varying responses demonstrate that this is a subject worthy of further examination. Generational labels are used in this poster as a way to look at intergenerational intersections in the Health Sciences workplace, and are not meant to supersede or stand alone among other important identity markers. Generational grouping can be part of a larger understanding of the intersectional ways that life experience and cultural background come together in the work place and during interactions between information professionals and the groups they serve. Critically examining how librarians understand generational labels can be helpful for building relationships between librarians, library users, and library stakeholders in a profession that has a large number of individuals with decades of work experience.