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Statement of Purpose
The Library Technicians’ and Assistants’ Interest Group (LTAIG) Mentoring Program exists to connect and empower its members by fostering positive relationships within the profession. We strive to create a vibrant community of sharing and continuous growth, and to encourage leadership and commitment to the profession.
Potential benefits for mentors include:
- Developing new relationships; meeting new people within the profession
- Practicing and refining leadership and coaching skills
- Receiving recognition for experience and accomplishments
- Getting a fresh perspective on the profession, and insight into the challenges that face new technicians
Potential benefits for mentees include:
- Access to feedback and suggestions from experienced professionals in the field.
- Meeting and developing relationships with new colleagues.
- Insight into the reality of library technicians' work in a variety of settings and workplaces.
The LTAIG Mentoring Program will connect experienced professionals with newer or less experienced colleagues. Mentors will provide support and give feedback to mentees on concerns relating to career and professional development. While networking is a part of most professional relationships, please be aware that the program does not exist to facilitate job searching.
The program also offers to connect Library Technician students with recent or soon-to-be graduates through the option of peer mentoring . Peer mentors can provide support to student mentees in relation to college/university and graduation, but will not act as tutors.
Recruitment
Mentors
We ask that prospective mentors have a minimum of five years experience in the profession. Membership in BCLA and LTAIG is not a pre-requisite for mentors wishing to participate in the program, but preference will be given to members in good standing.
Recent graduates of a Library Technician Diploma program, and library technician students in their 2nd year, are encouraged to apply as peer mentors for matching with students who are completing their diploma. Peer mentors must be BCLA and LTAIG members in good standing in order to be eligible for the program.
Mentor Qualities
- Communicates well
- Actively participates in the profession
- Challenges and encourages the mentee
- Has strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Mentees
Mentees must be BCLA and LTAIG members in good standing in order to be eligible for the program. If you are not currently a member of BCLA and LTAIG, please visit http://bcla.bc.ca/page/join%20bcla.aspx to sign up today.
Mentee Qualities
- Inquisitive, asks questions
- Seeks guidance, accepts feedback graciously
- Expresses a willingness to learn
- Is responsible, open and honest
Evaluation
We strive to be responsive to our membership and encourage suggestions for improvement. The LTAIG Mentoring Program Committee will evaluate and adjust the program based on participant feedback from survey information collected from mentors and mentees.
Program Details
Applications for the Winter 2012 mentoring session are being accepted through November 2011. The Winter 2012 session will run January 2nd to March 12th (10 weeks)
If you have more than five years experience in the profession, or are a recent graduate looking to peer-mentor a library tech student, please fill out the mentor application form.
If you would like to apply to be matched with a mentor, please fill out the mentee application form.
You can expect a reply to your application within 10 days. If you have not received an acknowledgement email, please contact ltaig.mentoring@gmail.com
Mentors and mentees will be matched according to the following considerations:
- Type of library
- Topics of interest indicated on application
- Location or institution (when possible)
Once a match is made, the Mentoring Committee will email both participants (mentor and mentee). Some information from your application (contact and interests/experience) will be shared with your match to help facilitate introductions.
The mentee will initiate contact with their mentor by sending an introductory email. Each match will be sent a mentoring contract where mentee and mentor can set out how frequently they will stay in touch. The minimum for communications is at least twice per month for the 10 week term.
At the the end of the 10 week term participants will be asked to complete an exit survey (online).
Guidelines for Participation
Participants will be asked to co-sign a mentoring contract at the time of matching. The mentoring contract will clarify expectations and norms for communicating, and will serve as an easy measurement for the success of the mentoring experience. Things to consider include: How frequently you will communicate, a minimum wait time for email turnaround, whether or not you will meet in person, and whether you will share phone numbers. A draft contract will be supplied.
Mentoring can mean many things. Mentees are encouraged to discuss the meaning of mentoring with their mentors as part of the introduction process. The more information you share about yourself, the better your mentor/mentee will get to know you and the better the mentoring relationship can grow.
Sharing knowledge is at the very heart of what we do, why we study and how we think about interacting with each other. Bring your enthusiasm and natural curiosity to the table, challenge yourself and grow.
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