HomeNMRT Mentoring Guidelines

Conference Mentoring Guidelines

Mentor

What is a mentor?

A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor. Within the context of ALA conferences, it is someone who can help a new librarian or a library science student negotiate a path among the numerous meetings, programs, exhibits and acronyms. Within the context of a career, a mentor is an experienced person who provides guidance and support to a developing professional.*

Qualifications:

A conference mentor must have attended at least two ALA conferences. Mentors should have had at least two or three years of experience in the profession. Mentors can be from any ALA division or affiliate group in order to show mentees (proteges) the many opportunities for involvement in ALA. A mentor needs to have a sincere interest to help librarians who are new to the profession or library students. Mentoring involves being a good listener, a thoughtful advisor and a role model.

Expectations:

Mentors are expected to make initial contact with their mentees prior to the conference (via email or phone). Mentors should arrange to meet face to face with their mentees at least once during the conference, preferably at the beginning of the conference. At this meeting, the mentor should expect to answer questions, give guidance or just to listen. More contact during the conference or, even afterwards, is encouraged.

Some things that you might want to discuss with your mentee are their interests, how the conference works (workshops, meetings, social events, etc.), how to get the most from the sessions and workshops they attend, and how to become involved in ALA and NMRT as a volunteer. You may also introduce them to colleagues from NMRT and other ALA sections, divisions, and roundtables and encourage them to network. While it is not necessary to commit to spending all of your time with your mentee, it is important to touch base with them occasionally during the conference.

Benefits:

• Contribute to the profession by helping to develop future leaders.
• Gain leadership and communication skills.
• Grow and learn from the experience.

Mentee

What is a mentee?

Mentees, or proteges, (those being mentored) are first-time conference attendees. Mentees are generally be library science students and/or librarians who are new to the profession.

Qualifications:

Mentees are ALA Members and preferrably NMRT members who are attending their first ALA Annual Conference and seek guidance and advice from experienced conference goers.

Expectations:

Mentees will be contacted by their assigned mentor prior to the conference. Mentees are expected to communicate their conference goals and/or information about what they hope to achieve or gain from the conference. Mentees should arrange to meet face to face with their mentors at least once during the conference, preferably at the beginning of the conference. This meeting is an opportunity for the mentee to ask questions, receive guidance, and get to know their mentor. More contact during the conference or, even afterwards, is encouraged.

Some things that you might want to discuss with your mentor are your interests (either personal or professional), how the conference works (workshops, meetings, social events, etc.), how to get the most from the sessions and workshops you attend, and how to become involved in ALA and NMRT as a volunteer. Don?t be shy about asking to be introduced to other colleagues and NMRT Board Members. While it is not necessary to commit to spending all of your time with your mentor, feel free to touch base with them occasionally during the conference.

Benefits:

• Receive support and guidance.
• Meet other professionals, networking opportunities.
• Develop confidence.

* adapted from Bolton's definition of a mentor (1980).