Reference and Information Services for the Next Generation

Abstract

In their article, “Born with the Chip,” Abram and Luther discuss the next generation of library users. At 81 million, NextGens are next in size to boomers. Born between 1982 and 2002, this next generation represents an underserved user group that may not be well understood by current libraries. This generation who grew up using computers does not think of them as technology but as part of their everyday culture. Abram and Luther (2004) reveal the following key points that explain the significant impact this user group will have on the services that libraries provide.