Revised mission statement

Conference Mission (final to be posted on website)

Libraries are undergoing a significant demographic shift that is dramatically changing the profession. At the heart of this transformation is the large proportion of veteran librarians nearing retirement age and the potential impact of the perceived "graying of the profession." This development has also prompted a closer examination of the new generation of librarians poised to assume leadership. To contribute to the dialogue regarding the future of academic library leadership, this conference will address the following questions:


--Are academic libraries really experiencing a so-called "graying of the profession"? If so, what are we potentially losing in terms of experience, expertise, and institutional memory?
--What are libraries doing to ensure these qualities will be passed on to the next generation of library leaders?
--What are the characteristics of so-called "next gen librarians" and how will their entry into the profession impact academic libraries?
--How do we address generational differences within the workplace without fostering unnecessary stereotypes or division?
--How are changes within the profession influenced by or reflective of larger social, political, and cultural transformations?

Mission Statement (draft B)

According to some estimates, academic libraries are undergoing a significant demographic shift that is dramatically changing the make-up of the profession. At the heart of this transformation is the uniquely large proportion of veteran librarians nearing retirement age prompting a closer examination of the attitudes and characteristics of the newer generation of librarians poised to assume leadership. In an effort to contribute to the ongoing dialogue regarding the future of academic library leadership, this conference seeks to address the following questions:

• Are academic libraries really experiencing a so-called “graying of the profession”?
  
• If so, what are we potentially losing in terms of experience, expertise, and institutional memory?
  
• What are libraries doing to ensure that these qualities will be passed on to the next generation of library leaders?
  
• What are the characteristics of so-called “next gen librarians” and how will their entry into the profession impact academic libraries?
  
• How do we address generational differences within the workplace without fostering unnecessary stereotypes or division?
  
• How are changes within the profession influenced by or reflective of larger social, political, and cultural transformations?
  

~Joe

Since we can't comment, I'll edit to add here that I really like this version of the mission statement, Joe. It hits the highlights for sure and gives some good directions for poster sessions/breakout topics, etc. Thanks for posting this.
~Sarah

Excellent reworking of the mission statement Joe! It is nuanced and doesn't cast aspersions on any generation of librarians. I'd say that we go forward with this as our working mission statement
~Brian

I agree that this reworking is excellent and we should go with it. I like the lack of labels.
Jane