IGNITE COLLABORATION:
THRIVING MULTIGENERATIONAL LIBRARIES
Why are multigenerational libraries vital?
The 2025 ARL President’s Institute will dive into the ways multigenerational perspectives and practices can boost a library’s inclusivity and effectiveness. This dynamic program will explore shared leadership practices, innovative strategies to bridge generational divides, and practical tools to promote cross-mentorship.
Facilitators will create a space to connect, solve problems, and share best practices with fellow library leaders. Participants will leave with resources and a plan for how to bring multigenerational collaboration to their research libraries.
This event is for you if you...
- Manage a multigenerational library team
- Manage, train, or work with student library employees
- Design library services or spaces used by people of different ages
- Are interested in attracting the next generation of library talent to the profession
- Are keen to explore age difference as an element of diversity
JANET OH
Senior Director ● Innovation
FEATURED FACILITATORS
A workplace with four or five generations working side by side is not a problem to be solved—it’s an opportunity to be leveraged.
DUNCAN MAGIDSON
Specialist ● Digital Communications
Facilitators Janet Oh and Duncan Magidson from CoGenerate will discuss how to tap the different and complementary skills and talents of multigenerational teammates for big rewards. You’ll learn how best to understand generation, age and life stage while avoiding stereotypes; how to communicate using a wide variety of styles to suit all ages; how to manage power dynamics; and how to build an age-diverse team of creative problem-solvers.
FEATURED PANELS
Student Perspectives on Libraries: Present and Future
Maximilien Franck
Postdoctoral Researcher
Université de Sherbrooke
Ryan Lemke
Senior
University of Illinois Chicago
Roshan Panjwani
MSLS Student
University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill
Michelle Sosa
MLIS Student
San José State University
Libraries are becoming more and more multigenerational in terms of user needs and populations. Who better to showcase that reality and discuss its assets and challenges than students themselves! This dynamic panel features students from a wide array of perspectives and experiences discussing the different realities of students in the context of multigenerational libraries and how welcoming they are or could be.
Multigenerational Libraries: Advice Across Disciplines
Amber Dukart
Intergenerational Researcher & Facilitator
University of Calgary
Bo Ford
Program Manager,
Digital Equity
New Mexico State Library
Hunter Old Elk
Assistant Curator
Plains Indian Museum
Tyronne Stoudemire
Senior Vice President,
Global Diversity,
Equity & Inclusion
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Bringing multigenerational voices to the forefront has been a successful endevor for many. This interactive panel will gather experts across disciplines to share insights and experiences leveraging multigenerational opportunities in their respective settings.
REGISTRATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The ARL President’s Institute is able to offer a limited number of registration scholarships. Scholarships can cover full or partial registration costs. To express interest please complete the Interest Form by Friday, January 10.
Awards are determined by the President’s Institute Task Force based on the funds available. Scholarships are available only to residents of Canada and the United States.
SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY:
SPONSORS
Elsevier is proud to help research professionals and institutions advance healthcare, foster open science discoverability, and improve research performance for the benefit of humanity. Combining authoritative, peer-reviewed content with robust technology, we turn information into actionable knowledge that empowers decision makers.
OCLC is a global library organization that provides shared technology, research, and community programs for its membership and the library community at large. We are librarians, technologists, researchers, pioneers, leaders, and learners. With thousands of library members in more than 100 countries, OCLC makes information more accessible and more useful.
ITHAKA is a nonprofit with a mission to improve access to knowledge and education for people around the world. We help make higher education and access to knowledge more affordable, improve outcomes for students and researchers, and preserve knowledge for future generations.
The UIC University Library is Chicago’s largest public research library serving patrons in four locations (including three libraries that serve seven health sciences colleges) and online. The collection includes 2.3 million print volumes, 62,000 journal titles, 800 named special collections focusing on the history of Chicago, and millions of photographic images.
The UIC University Library is Chicago’s largest public research library serving patrons in four locations (including three libraries that serve seven health sciences colleges) and online. The collection includes 2.3 million print volumes, 62,000 journal titles, 800 named special collections focusing on the history of Chicago, and millions of photographic images.
ABOUT THE ARL PRESIDENT'S INSTITUTE
The annual ARL President's Institute explores content driven by the president of the Association of Research Libraries. The institute rotates among the geographic regions of the Association to provide greater opportunities for participation by member institutions and others in our field without requiring extensive travel. The President’s Institute is the evolution of the event previously known as the Fall Forum.