Managing academic library as a multigenerational workplace: a field study of generational diversity

The work environment in its various variables plays a vital role in stabilizing work and raising productivity; researchers in management sciences and work behaviours have noted the role of individual variables of workers (age, educational level, years of experience) in influencing the personal characteristics and behaviours of the workers, which has drawn attention to the multigenerational work environment, where it includes a number of generational groups. Each group is characterized by different characteristics, which make it imperative for tensions in relationships and conflicts to occur unless the management of institutions pays attention to the rapid adoption of appropriate foundations and strategies for the management of those generational groups. This gave rise to the idea of the current study, which focused on the fact that the Multigenerational workplace Management is one of the most important factors affecting the functioning and productivity of the library. The aim


Introduction
In today's work environment, it is increasingly common to find individuals from different generations working together.Depending on the classification system, workplaces today can include anywhere from three to four generations.These generational compositions vary based on each country's labor laws and retirement age stipulations.For instance, by 2024, Egyptian institutions are expected to see the departure of the older generation still active in the workforce, leaving only three generational groups sharing the work environment.
While generational diversity offers significant benefits, such as enriching the workplace and contributing to the achievement of organizational goals, it also presents administrative and organizational challenges.These challenges arise from differences in values, goals, communication preferences, and work expectations among the generations (Mahmoud, Fuxman, Mohr, Reisel & Grigoriou, 2021).The diversity in today's work environment has led researchers and human resources professionals to focus on understanding generational differences and developing effective management strategies.This is particularly important in workplaces with a multigenerational workforce, as it allows organizations to leverage the diverse talents, experiences, and skills of their employees.
Like many other institutions, libraries and information centers, including academic libraries, are multigenerational work environments.Academic libraries play a crucial role in supporting the educational process in universities, providing various services to students, faculty, and staff.This critical role places a responsibility on library management to enhance employee performance and satisfaction, which in turn improves the library's contribution to education and research.Therefore, it is important to study the academic library as a multigenerational work environment to develop effective management practices that address generational diversity and foster healthy working relationships.

3
Researchers have explored various topics related to generational diversity, including management strategies for multigenerational teams, work ethics across generations, generational similarities and differences, communication in multigenerational environments, leadership of multigenerational teams, and intergenerational relationships.These studies highlight the importance of understanding and effectively managing generational diversity in academic libraries to improve employee morale, productivity, and job satisfaction.

Methodological Framework:
1.1 The Study Phenomenon: The workforce is the most valuable asset of any organization, with management responsible for organizing, coordinating, and planning to achieve organizational goals.Numerous studies have indicated that one of the key factors contributing to low productivity is the absence of effective diversity management strategies, particularly in managing generational diversity and bridging the generational gap.
The phenomenon under study was identified during an exploratory visit to several faculty libraries at Alexandria University, where it was observed that employee morale was negatively impacted by the generational gap.This observation led to the decision to conduct this study, with the aim of analyzing the situation and proposing solutions to maximize the potential of a diverse workforce and improve job satisfaction, cooperation, and relationships within the libraries.

Objectives:
1. Identify the age groups working in the libraries under study.
2. Determine the years of experience across these age groups.relationships between them.Additionally, the study offers insights into modern management methods, serving as a guide for library employees and a reference for decision-makers in these institutions.Effective management of generational diversity can improve job satisfaction and morale, ultimately enhancing productivity and enabling libraries to achieve their goals.

Study Questions:
1. What are the age groups working in the libraries under study?
2. How many years of experience do these age groups have?
3. How aware are management and employees of the characteristics of a multigenerational work environment?
4. How knowledgeable are library directors about global strategies for managing different generations?
5. How effectively are library directors applying these strategies?

Objective Limits:
This study is focused on analyzing the strategies employed by the administration of Alexandria University's college libraries to manage generational diversity among their employees.

Geographical Limits:
The study is geographically confined to the libraries of Alexandria University's colleges located in Alexandria Governorate, as well as the library of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Beheira Governorate (Edfina), Egypt.

Qualitative Limits:
The study specifically addresses the management of generational diversity among three distinct generational groups of workers in Alexandria University's college libraries.The focus is on employees born between 1963 and 2003, with ages ranging from 20 to 60 years.

Time Limits:
The study covers the period from mid-2022 to mid-2023, examining the management of generational diversity among workers in Alexandria University's college libraries during this timeframe.This study employs a descriptive approach to gather facts, data, and information related to the management of generational diversity among employees in the libraries under review.The goal is to identify, analyze, and interpret the current situation, with the aim of deriving general conclusions that can help align practice with ideal management standards.To achieve the study's objectives, the following data collection tools were utilized: 1.6.1 Structured Interviews: Structured interviews were conducted with the directors of all Alexandria University college libraries.Pre-determined questions were asked, and comprehensive answers were obtained, along with additional insights from the directors.Field visits were made to all 20 faculty libraries, which include:

characteristics of a multigenerational work environment. 4 .
Evaluate managers' knowledge of global strategies for managing multigenerational teams. 5. Investigate the extent to which multigenerational management strategies are implemented in the libraries under study.1.3 Importance: This study is important as it examines libraries as multigenerational work environments, focusing on the management of different generations within university libraries.It reviews the generational groups working in these libraries, the opportunities and challenges they face, and the DOI: 10.70000/cj.2024.72.597Cybrarians Journal Issue 72, August 2024 4