They are different: The cultural codes of new generations of applicants as a challenge for the library professional community

The author addresses the problem of generational change in the libraries through the lens of William Strauss and Neil Howe generational theory. The librarians of fundamental knowledge they received in the pre-digital era are to be succeeded by zoomers (Generation Z) and further, Alpha- and Betagenerations. The author speculates on the characteristics, values and cultural code of these digital generations and on the challenges for library professionals, librarians and lecturers and researchers who are to make young people interested in the profession and understand the significance of its preservation and development.