Transform the Path of a Library Career: Empowering Librarians Through Mentoring

Abstract

Mentoring empowers the next generation of librarians to assume positions of leadership and expertise in our profession. Successful mentoring requires a combination of commitments from library administrators, professional organizations, and individuals who will provide and receive mentoring. How can we strengthen professional development and retention within library systems, and also draw on the hard-won professional lessons of experienced librarians? The presenters will draw together material from survey results, the library literature, and their personal experiences to address mentorship in academic libraries. Aspects identified and discussed will include... • Approaches to mentoring in librarianship, including formal, informal, peer, team-based, residence programs, communities of practice, regional or national associations, in-person, or online. • Groups likely to benefit from mentoring,such as tenure or promotional track librarians, first year librarians, MLIS student interns, and underrepresented groups in the profession. • What mentees typically seek in a mentor. • How successful mentors connect and coach, and how to negotiate challenges in mentoring relationships such as cross-generational or cultural issues. • Best practices in mentoring, including the frequency and duration of meetings, and communication strategies like shared online accounts, using discussion prompts, and more. Learn how you, your library, and professional organizations can invest in future librarians through mentoring!