Millennial Services Toolkit

This toolkit is designed for use regarding four areas of millennial service in the public library
setting. Millennials are patrons who are currently in their 20’s, and 30’s, and while the name
may change, this age demographic is important to bring into the physical library. This toolkit will
be used to store information related to the areas, as a quick access point. The toolkit will be
separated into four main sections, with links to important and helpful resources. As I continue to
grow in the field, I will often add to this list as well as refer back.

Programming

Programming is a vital aspect of working as a public librarian. Millennials live incredibly busy
lives and might not necessarily think of the public library for social or educational events. Below
are resources to use when thinking about designing programs that millennials will want to
attend.

Ahmed, Sarah. [lianzaNZ]. (2017, Nov 15). Programming for millennials. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNMtd6EIGFo

This is a great webinar that I watched when I first started programming for millennials in my
current position. Sarah remarks on many great points, touching on the difficulties of creating
programs that this age demographic will find fun, but also enriching. She offers creative
suggestions, but also what to avoid. The reasoning behind the types of programs she has found
successful and the categories of programming she recommends is extremely beneficial.

Alessio, A, LaMantia, K, & Vinci, E. (2015). A year of programming for millennials and more.
New York, NY: Amer Library Assn Editions.

This is a fantastic book that also helped me when I first started out. The book is designed to
show a year’s worth of programming, making it helpful as each chapter represents a month.
This helps a new librarian, as publicity deadlines make programming in advance extremely
necessary. Additionally, the programs are creative, such as a clothing swap, a seed exchange,
and a 90’s night.

Millennial Programming Ideas. (n.d.). In Facebook [Public group]. Retrieved from

https://www.facebook.com/groups/millennialprogramming/

This is a Facebook group that is dedicated only to this topic, with users posting program ideas,
programs they have had, or programs they want to have. This is a great resource for actively
talking with other librarians, having the unique feature of being able to grow your ideas through
back and forth dialog. It’s also a great way to learn about programs that have flopped, and then
read and participate in discussion about why.

Pinterest. (n.d.). 20s/30s library programming [Pinterest group]. Retrieved from

https://www.pinterest.com/demco/20s30s-library-programming/

Pinterest is great when you’ve hit a block in your programming ideas. It is also great for creating
passive programs and also displays with your library materials that people in their 20’s and 30’s
would be interested in. You can also save ideas for later, in case you love the idea, but it is the
wrong time of year or you’re too busy to plan.

Programming Librarian. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.programminglibrarian.org/

This entire website is fantastic, for both programming and marketing. While they don’t
specifically have examples of programming for millennials, they have great ideas for adults and
college age patrons that would certainly appeal to the demographic. They also list news
concerning librarians and libraries of all kinds, and they highlight different blogs each week that
answer pertinent questions related to library services.

Marketing

Marketing is vital to get millennials, more generally people in their 20’s and 30’s, into the public
library and to your programs. As discussed, this demographic is extremely busy, and they may
not always go to the physical library. Because of this, they might not be aware of great
programs the library offers, or services they could provide. Here are a few resources to help
with areas concerning marketing.

Cowart, C. (2017). Marketing libraries Is a team effort. Reference & User Services Quarterly,
56(4), 240.

This is a great article that focuses on the teamwork needed to effectively market the public
library. This library has an interesting and intriguing take on creating community partnerships,
training employees in graphic design and building upon their social media for the purpose of
marketing. This library understands that success comes from relationships within the
community, not isolating the library as different, being a traditional institution. I love this take on
marketing as well as the importance of graphic design, with the article showing digital content
from the library being displaying and made available in the San Antonio airport.
Dwyer, L. (2017). How libraries won over the hearts of millennials. Good Education. Retrieved
from https://education.good.is/articles/this-is-generation-uses-libraries-most

This article is an uplifting one, discussing the fact that millennials are using the library more than
other adult groups, and that marketing to this demographic has been a success. Millennials
understand that libraries embraced technology and this younger demographic has seen the
unique services the library can provide. I like the mention of using snapchat as a way to market
to millennials, and feel that the reason this demographic is aware of library services and
programs more than others, is due to the emphasis on marketing and user-driven services.

King, D. (2016). Marketing to millennials: 5 strategies [Blog post]. Retrieved from

https://www.davidleeking.com/marketing-to-millenials-5-strategies/

This blog post derives its information from basic marketing strategies for millennials, and then
puts it in the lens of working with a library. The information here has already been discussed
and may seem obvious, such as being socially connected and creating partnerships. However ,I
like the discussion on ensuring the library services you provide work well through a mobile
setting, as well as being authentic. It is important to truly connect the patron to the library, not be
obviously trying to “sell” the services. They should “sell” themselves, you’re just bridging the
gap.

Livni, E. Millennials are the ones keeping the library alive. Quartz. Retrieved from
https://qz.com/1039294/millennials-are-the-ones-keeping-libraries-alive/

This is another article discussing how millennials are coming to the library, understand the
services of the library, and that changes in service and library design have positively impacted
library attendance for this demographic. However, the article also discusses that programming
for this group is a way to supplement what they are lacking in the education system. Years ago,
teens in school would learn how to cook, sew, work on their car, do their taxes, as well as
experience a variety of artistic opportunities. Now, with funding cuts and the like, young adults
do not have these skills. The library can help.

Russo, L. (2017). Mastering marketing: Library promotion. Library Journal. Retrieved on

https://lj.libraryjournal.com/2017/03/lj-in-print/mastering-marketing-library-promotion/#_
This is another great source to turn to for basic marketing advice. Emphasising the importance
of social media for marketing in today’s world, this article flips the narrative from promotion to
engagement. This is an important reminder that the best way to attract patrons into the library is
to excite them and make them feel like they are a part of the process, turning the focus away
from the library and to the user. Additionally, this article also talks about the importance of
reaching the community.
 Library Design

The public library is not the same place it was years ago. The focus is on more than just books
now, creating spaces that act as community centers, technology hubs, and collaborative work
spaces. Drawing millennials into the library requires these types of redesign, as the changes are
necessary to remain relevant.

The Library Store (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.thelibrarystore.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqJyNia332QIVT1qGCh2WdASWE
AAYASAAEgJKvfD_BwE

This is simply a great resource to use whenever thinking about new furniture or equipment to
buy for the library. The store stays up-to-date, and you can rely on the materials being of high
quality.

Morehart, P. (2017). 2017 library design showcase. American Libraries, 48(9), 26. Retrieved
from
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2017/09/01/2017-library-design-showcase/

This is a great source of inspiration when thinking about contemporary library designs that might
entice younger users. Not only are these designs innovative and exciting, but the pictures also
illustrate fun ideas for furniture and interior layout. The designs are modern, but accessible and
inviting. They embrace technology while also remaining true to the roots of the institution's
mission statement.

Sens, T., & Leed, A. (2009). 12 major trends in library design. Building Design and Construction.
Retrieved from https://www.bdcnetwork.com/12-major-trends-library-design

This article gives great advice about how a librarian should envision the library, in order to
provide the best services possible. The library is no longer a quiet sanctuary of printed
materials, but an inviting space of communication, collaboration, technology, and change. The
article also discusses special spaces you could create within your library, such as cafes and
seminar rooms. Finally, it nods to environmental approaches toward library design, which I feel
meets the mission statement and is incredibly important.

University Library. (2017). Green libraries: Sustainable libraries. Retrieved from

http://guides.library.illinois.edu/green-libraries/overview/library-specific
Why make your own list when one has already been compiled? This is another great resource
for helping make your library a more environmentally friendly place. Instead of providing quick
tips to assist you, this list provides many links to articles.

Walker, M. (2016). 100 ways to make your library a little greener [Blog post]. Retrieved from
http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2009/100-ways-to-make-your-library-a-little-
greener/

In my opinion, part of a library design entails the way in which they provide services, and I
believe it is our responsibility to be as environmentally friendly as possible. First of all, this is
what’s right as a ethical mammal, and millennials are all about going green. This article is useful
in providing a list of quick snippets to help libraries stay green.

Embracing Technology

One of the many reasons millennials are currently highly attending the public library is because
of the embracement of technology. Today’s library has not been afraid to move forward with
technology, despite not being an original focal point of library services. Moving alongside of
technology has helped libraries expand their services, inspire innovative movements within the
institution, and change the way people view their public library.

Blackburn, H. (2011). Millennials and the adoption of new technologies in libraries through the
diffusion innovations process. Criss Library Faculties Productions. Retrieved from
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=crisslibf
acpub

This is a research article discussion that focuses on how millennials have helped bring
technologies to the library themselves, and therefore changed library services. It discusses that
millennials are comfortable with change, communicate through many different channels, and
thrive in social situations. Because of these common personality factors, libraries have sought to
bring the change and social aspects inspired by millennials, to the library. I feel this is an
interesting flip to what many articles will discuss, and feel it is a great example of patron-driven
services.

Hunt, R. (2016). How to stock your makerspace for 100 bucks or less; plus an essential
equipment list from the Makerbus Driver. Edsurge. Retrieved from
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-05-24-how-to-stock-your-makerspace-for-100-
bucks-or-less-plus-an-essential-equipment-list-from-the-makerbus-driver

As you work in a public library, you may find yourself coming across budget limitations. This is a
great reminder and example that embracing new technologies is possible, even with a tight
budget. This article actually reminds readers to always act like you face a tight budget, to
maximize the amount you have to spend. Additionally, it tells readers to remain creative and aim
to please as many patrons as possible with your ideas. A list of great resources is also provided,
as well as a material’s list.

OEDB. (n.d.). A librarian’s guide to makerspaces: 16 resources [Blog post]. Retrieved from
http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/a-librarians-guide-to-makerspaces/

This is another great example of a list of resources being already compiled and available in one
place. Makerspaces are areas within a public library where patrons can create. Depending on
the budget and size of the library, they may range from having kits to make textile bracelets,
housing a 3D printer, or much, much more. They match perfectly with the library mission
statement, as they are used for lifelong learning and help expand patron services.

Paraschiv, P. (2017). 12 innovative technologies to implement at the library of the future. Rinch.
Retrieved from https://princh.com/8-technologies-to-implement-at-the-library-of-the-
future/#.WrBjb2inHEY

This is an extremely interesting article, as it discusses what a library of the future should look
like. While I don’t necessarily agree with all of these services in the public library, it is an
interesting reminder of everything that is possible, and should be possible. Virtual reality,
drones, artificial intelligence, and digital interface for printed books are discussed. If anything,
this article reminds librarians to dream big, because technologies in today’s library were once
beyond the imagination.

Wagenen, J. (2017). Thanks to tech upgrades, millennials love public libraries. StateTech.
Retrieved from https://statetechmagazine.com/article/2017/09/thanks-tech-upgrades-
millennials-love-public-libraries

This article sheds light on the types of technologies that public libraries have adopted, and
therefore enticed millennials into the institution. It’s a great reminder of how libraries have
remained relevant, what type of new technologies have naturally fit into its walls, and where we
can go now. Libraries are becoming tech hubs, creating automated book checkouts with a new
fiber-optic backbone. Librarians help patrons with technology inquires, they embrace cloud or
hyperconvergence, and overall they have expanded their services.

Millennial Librarian (Full-Time)

Job Objective: To promote the mission and value of ______________. To better serve the
community by providing information services.

Essential Job Functions:

● Answers reference and reader’s advisory questions from the public

● Instructs and aids library users in use of library reference tools
● Provides one-on-one assistance to library patrons as well as group presentations
involving all areas of library service
● Assists in developing the library’s collection through analyzing the current
collection, selecting materials to add to the collection, selecting materials to
remove from the collection
● Plans, designs, promotes, and presents programs for millennial patrons (20’s-
30’s)
● Stays abreast of technological advances by attending conferences, viewing
webinars, remaining active in social media platforms, and participating in any
hands-on activities that may occur
● Helps to select, purchase, and educate patrons in a mini makerspace collection
for the department
● Participates in professional groups, continuing education, and professional
readings involving serving demographic or technological advances
● Troubleshoots all electronic equipment and resources in the department
● Assists in training employees, and acts as “person in charge” in the absence of
supervisors
● Selects special collections to appeal to millennial (20’s-30’s) demographic
● Attends local colleges and non-profits to represent the library and promote
programs and services in the department
● Represents the public library department in community events
● Serves on library committees relevant to position
● Responsible for opening/closing duties
● Performs other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● Knowledge of public library reference tools, including but not limited to library databases,
reference collections, and special collections
● Ability to navigate, evaluate, and educate regarding these tools
● Ability to provide customer service to assist all library patrons in a timely manner
● Proficiency in written and oral communication, as well as enhanced technological skills
● Knowledge of current literature, publications, and periodicals of any format
Education and Experience:

● Master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association ( ALA)

accredited school in library science
● Two years library experience preferred

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

● Work is performed in an office-like setting, but with need for mobility including but
not limited to walking, bending, sitting, lifting, and pushing up to 20 pounds
● Employee may be scheduled to work evening and weekend hours

Position Assessment

In order to best perform this job, I find it will be essential to sharpen technical, leadership,
collaboration, and networking skills. I have already worked as an adult services librarian for
three years, so these are the additional skills I would like to focus on while applying for this type
of position. The best way to achieve this goal is to attend conferences, workshops, and
professional development courses. To start, I have almost completed my MLIS degree. This has
been a large step in my education and has helped me to sharpen my librarian skills as a whole.

Additionally, I am currently attending PLA This is the Public Library Association conference that
happens biannually. This is a 4-day long conference with extensive workshops, sessions, and
breakout events to help you in your professional position. All of these events are unique in their
content, and will directly assist me in my position. Here is a list of a few of the events I will be
attending:
● Millennials Take Over the Library
● Community as Collaborator
● Change and evolution in 21t Century Public Library Collections and Technical Services
● 2-hour Career fair and Crash Course in Employment
● Training is Fundamental
● Building Meaningful Relations through Community Engagement
● The Future is Now: Virtual Augmented, and Mixed Reality in Public Libraries

*The cost for early bird registration for this event was $150
Another great event to attend, which occurs each year, is ALA. This is American Library
Association, which occurs in New Orleans this year. This event is focused on the transformation
of libraries, and brings together librarians from all types of fields. This event offers community
meetings, discussion groups, film programs, ignite sessions, and conversation starters. An
extensive exhibit hall of innovative library services is also featured, for use in academic, public,
medical, law, and many other types of libraries.

*The cost for early bird registration for this event is $304

A great conference for Ohio librarians is OLC, which is the Ohio Library Conference. This is
happening in Bowling Green this year, and the theme is called “Level Up: Moving to Mastery in
Adult Services”. This will focus on the core competencies of public library service, with more
than 20 breakout sessions focusing on adult and reference service skills.

* The cost to register for this event is $90 for members, and $180 for non-members

OLC also offers a technical retreat, which would be perfect for what I would like to improve. This
is about any topic of technical services surrounding intellectual freedom, diversity, adaptability,
and resourcefulness.

*The cost to register for this event is $235 for members, and $350 for non-members

There are also a few webinars that would be great to attend. The Public Library Association lists
a few that are free:

Working with Partners: How to Plan for Collaborative Outcome Measurement

This involves measuring the outcomes of an existing or new partnership. This directly relates to
me wanting to sharpen my networking skills.

Building and Operating Your Digital Media Lab

“Creative space chock full of the latest computer hardware and software and audio, digitizing,
graphic design, music, photography, video, web publishing, and other production equipment and
resources that patrons use to create and share their own content”. This is a great idea for a
creative and also technical experience for patrons. This is not only empowering for patrons, but
it also directly relates to our mission statement.

Podcasting for Public Libraries

This is about creating a podcast and I think millennials would love this. It is huge for their
generation. This webinar presents materials to help produce, record, and deliver your own
podcast.
In addition to these events and webinars, I will continue to read subscriptions such as Library
Journal, and view the ALA website. I will remain aware of technical opportunities through local
colleges in my area, and also network with colleges in my branch and through nearby branches.