Mentoring Program

PROCEDURE:
Please fill out the form for either Mentor or Mentee as appropriate. We will try to match people as close to their preferences as possible. Send the form to the current Director of Membership, Patrick Hendershot, by fax, e-mail or mail:

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Mentor Project is three-fold: to provide an informal, personal source of information for newer members; to provide an avenue by which experienced special librarians may meet promising new members of the profession; and to provide a network for members who are contemplating a move to another type of library. The Mentor Project is open to librarians from all types of libraries. Each participant will be assigned to a member whose profile matches, as closely as possible, his or her request. Applications will be reviewed by the Membership Chair. Listed below are a few things that you may want to do, if you wish to participate. The list should serve as a guide to the many possibilities. It is by no means exhaustive; in fact, should you try to do everything mentioned, you would certainly be exhausted. With that caveat, may we encourage you to be creative. There are a great many activities which will contribute to an enjoyable experience.

TIPS FOR MENTORING 

1. Contact your mentee by telephone, e-mail, or regular mail. Let your mentee know how he or she can contact you (e.g., telephone, e-mail, regular mail).
2. Meet your mentee-have coffee or lunch together, or invite him or her to your workplace for a tour and to get acquainted.
3. Greet your mentee at Chapter events and introduce them to other members. Help your mentee with networking by contacting a few other members and ask if they would be willing to meet with your mentee to share their professional experiences or give a tour of their library. Encourage your mentee to participate in Chapter events and to volunteer for Chapter committees.
4. Arrange to meet during the annual conference. You can both: go for coffee, go on one of the local tours, attend a reception, visit the exhibit hall or attend a session together. If you are chairing a committee or otherwise involved in any of the programs, invite your mentee to attend. Introduce your mentee to members from other chapters or divisions. Attend the business session and explain Association business and procedures to them.

FEEDBACK:
We welcome any feedback on our new program. Please send any comments or suggestions to the Director of Membership. 

FORMS: Overview  |  Mentor Application  |  Mentee Application  |  Evaluation

Last Updated 3/7/2008
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