Two X'ers tell whY and how: succession planning for the future

A number of reports within the international library and information sector are highlighting the need for succession planning within this sector, particularly in response to the disproportionate numbers of librarians expected to retire within the next twenty years. There is a call for organisations to understand the new generation that is currently entering the workforce - Generation Y. The library and information sector can draw from the current research into generation theory to review their organisations' strategies to attract and retain this new workforce. Current human resources and management literature examines the different styles of work and underlying behaviours of the different generations. This paper focuses specifically on the attributes of Generation Y and Generation X in relation to professional development, and retention of talent within an organisation. In particular the authors draw on their own personal experiences and the case for job sharing at management level is examined as a strategy to contribute to a flexible workforce whilst providing a means to develop Generation X and Y leadership skills.