Who Are They? An Overview of the Traits Used to Describe Millennial Librarians in Academic Libraries in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Alongside tackling technological trends, libraries have the responsibility to gratify millennial librarians as their employees. This requires libraries to have an understanding of who millennial librarians are to be in a better position to have a better working relationship with them. Hence, this study investigated the traits of millennial librarians in academic libraries. The objectives of the study were to determine the traits of millennial librarians in academic libraries in Limpopo, South Africa and to propose a framework to help libraries to transform their practices in alignment with the current workforce needs. A post-positivist research paradigm was adopted and both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Purposive sampling was used and the study’s target population were librarians and heads of libraries at the University of Limpopo (UL) Turfloop Campus library, University of Venda (Univen) library, and the University of South Africa (Unisa), Polokwane Campus library. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis. The results reveal that millennial librarians are confident users of technology; they use technology to satisfy users’ needs and they innovatively share knowledge and information through technology. In addition, the results reveal that millennial librarians are cooperative team players, and they appreciate and respect managers who provide them with a platform to share and express their ideas. The study concluded that millennial librarians are users and admirers of technology. Moreover, millennial librarians like sharing their ideas, are innovative, require a good work-life balance, and are flexible.