Sci-Tech Division Mentoring Program

Developed by the Student Relations Committee (SRC)

Since the summer of 1998, the Sci-Tech Division of the SLA has offered a mentoring program for new members and students. This program partners interested persons with an experienced member of the profession in their area of interest. 

What you get out of participating:

Having a contact person within the profession who can act as a guide and mentor. 

Being able to ask questions of the mentor regarding job searching and preparation for the profession. 

What do mentors get out of it: 

The satisfaction of supporting the "Next Generation" of the library community.

Meeting new people in the profession. 

What the relationship is like between mentors and mentees: 

Typically, the mentor will contact the mentee several times during the year just to touch base. Otherwise, the mentee can contact the mentor whenever they have a question or concern they wish to discuss with their mentor. Anything relating to the profession is fair game: job search and interview tips, help with answering reference questions in a field, guidance with professional development, etc. 

How many mentors/mentees have participated: 

Over 30 mentees and over seventeen mentors have participated in the program in its brief existence. More participants are desired and encouraged to join. 

How do I become involved as a mentor/mentee or who do I contact if I wish to ask further questions: 

Students and newcomers to the division are encouraged to contact the Chair of the Student Relations Committee of the Science-Technical Division to be assigned a mentor. The current Chair contact information is:

Thea Allen
Special Project Cataloger
North Carolina Collection
CB#3930, Wilson Library
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill NC, 27514
Email: theaallen@gmail.com | tsallen@email.unc.edu
Phone: (919) 962-1172