Looking for ways to help the next generation of information and library science researchers? Consider becoming a mentor through the Library Research Round Table (LRRT) Mentorship Program. The LRRT Mentorship Program promotes and supports the rigorous, substantive research needed to shape the future of information science and library practice. LRRT mentors cultivate professional relationships with mentees who are developing research skills like creating research designs, conducting surveys, collecting and analyzing data, writing papers and disseminating the results to both the research and professional library communities.
Criteria for Mentors
Mentors are experienced researchers willing to provide coaching and support for one or more
developing researchers, in one-to-one or small group formats. Mentees may include any individuals planning to conduct research on LIS issues, including both new and experienced librarians as well as students. Mentor involvement can vary: most commonly, mentors serve in an advisory role, but others may choose to pursue a full-fledged collaboration with their mentee(s). At heart, the most important thing is the willingness and ability to help.
Mentor Responsibilities
Mentors agree to:
● Attend the LRRT Mentorship Program Forums at the 2015 and 2016 ALA Annual Conferences.
● Maintain contact with their mentee(s) between Annual Conferences.
● Advise and support their mentee(s) on the development and execution of a research project; this may culminate in papers for publication in conference proceedings, journals, or for presentations at the LRRT Research Forums.
● Work with their mentee(s) to prepare a brief presentation on research in progress at the 2016 LRRT Mentorship Program Discussion Forum.
● Complete an evaluation form providing feedback on their participation in the LRRT Mentorship Program.
Mentor/Mentee Matching
The 2015 LRRT Mentorship Program Discussion Forum will feature individual and/or small group meetings and conversations between mentors and prospective mentees. This will allow potential mentees to become familiar with mentors, and to learn about the mentors’ areas of substantive and methodological expertise. When mentors and mentees determine that their research interests are compatible, they can then discuss how they might wish to develop their professional relationship.
Becoming a Mentor: Application Process and Important Dates
The introductory LRRT Mentorship Program Discussion Forum will be held at the ALA Annual Conference on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 1:00pm – 2:30pm. If you are interested in becoming a mentor in the LRRT Program, please complete the mentor application by June 3, 2015 (application available here: http://goo.gl/forms/PNDjs7SOi6), and an LRRT Mentorship Program Committee member will contact you in early June.
If you have additional questions about the Library Research Round Table (LRRT) Mentorship
Program, contact Stephanie Alexander at stephanie.alexander@csueastbay.edu.