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Arkansas Library Association
Mentoring Program
The Arkansas Library Association (ArLA) is proud and honored to have you join our Mentoring Program. As a mentor, you will be providing library staff and students with an understanding of what librarianship is all about. Plus, you will be helping them to understand the importance of volunteerism and professional involvement. As a mentee, you are the future of librarianship and the strength of library associations such as the Arkansas Library Association.
We hope you will enjoy your 9-12 months as either a mentor or mentee in the Arkansas Library Association Mentoring Program. The future of the mentoring program is dependent on you. As a mentee, this program will provide experience and guidance from a knowledgeable Arkansas library professional. As a mentor, the program will provide an opportunity to give back to the profession, model volunteerism, and help guide the future of librarianship.
Both as a mentor and mentee, your involvement in the Arkansas Library Association will bring many benefits to you and your Arkansas Library Association.
· Your involvement is needed.
· Your guidance is valued.
· Your experience is critical.
· Your support is essential.
Mentoring Program Description*
*A number of items found in this document were developed after reading the Southeastern Library Association’s Mentoring Program.
The ArLA Mentoring Program has been established in order to provide a method of introducing and encouraging library staff and students to work together, to network, and to support the Arkansas Library Association and further professional development of the library profession. Mentors are current members of the Association who have agreed to help other members learn about the profession in general and more specifically about the different aspects of ArLA and how it functions. The development of a professional relationship between the mentor and mentee is one of the many benefits of the ArLA Mentoring Program. The long-term goal of the ArLA Mentoring Program is to foster and grow an interest in library staff and students to work together to create a dynamic professional organization of learning.
On the membership form, members of the Association are given the opportunity to join the mentoring program and have a mentor assigned to them. Existing members will have the opportunity to participate in the mentoring program by choosing to become a mentor on their renewal form. Mentors will normally share job titles and/or responsibilities with the mentee in order to provide a more comprehensive relationship.
The Mentoring Committee will pair mentors with their mentees. Mentors will be provided an email address for their mentees in order to make first contact. Mentees will be provided the contact information for their mentors to facilitate the introductory process. This information will be delivered to individuals with their membership/renewal information.
ArLA Mentoring Program Mission Statement
The ArLA Mentoring Program is an invitation for library professionals at all levels to learn, develop, and meet their individual potential with assistance from more experienced professionals. The Program is designed to help library professionals succeed, empower them to make decisions, enhance self-awareness, and promote a sense of belonging.
What are the goals of the ArLA Mentoring Program?
Goal #1
For library students and library professionals to work collaboratively and develop professionally under the guidance of experienced library professionals. Mentees will learn more about the ArLA organization, how it functions, and how to get more involved.
Objective #1
The mentor will educate the mentee on how ArLA is organized, how ArLA committees and Communities of Interest function, and will foster engagement of mentees in the Association.
Goal #2
For experienced library professionals to provide guidance and leadership through modeling, networking, and fostering professional development.
Objective #2
The mentee will gain an understanding of the importance of volunteerism and being involved in a professional organization, and take advantage of networking and professional development opportunities.
Goal #3
For continuing generations of library workers to demonstrate leadership and excellence in the field.
Objective #3
Mentees will become involved in ArLA committees, the leadership of ArLA, and eventually become committee or CI chairs and run for leadership offices, with an eye for leadership in other professional organizations across the region and nation.
What is a Mentor?
Definition
An ArLA mentor is an experienced library staff person who willingly provides professional and practical advice to less experienced library staff and students in order for them to achieve success in their new positions and professions.
Qualifications
· ArLA member.
· Seasoned library professional.
· Willing to commit 9-12 months to the program.
Role
· Serve as a guide, sharing your professional experiences, triumphs, and struggles.
· Listen, answer questions, and offer tips and suggestions for action.
· Promote and encourage the importance of participation in ArLA activities and committees.
· Provide feedback to the mentee regarding their strengths and development needs.
· Be a sounding board for ideas.
· Assist in setting goals.
Benefits
· Share knowledge and experiences.
· Assist in the growth and education of library professionals.
· Gain insights into new and cutting-edge librarianship from new graduates.
· Give back what has been gained (if you had a mentor in the past).
· Practice problem solving and listening skills.
· Meet people with diverse experiences, skills, and contacts.
· Collaborate with mentors/mentees who have similar career goals, interests, and job functions.
Expectations
· Clarify expectations with the mentee as to the extent to which you will offer guidance.
· Communicate with mentee as often as necessary.
· If possible, attend either the ArLA Conference or Leadership Conference and provide guidance to the mentee during the Conference.
· Introduce the mentee to other professionals.
· Advise mentees on ArLA organizational norms and expectations.
· Be honest and professional in all interactions with mentees following the ALA Code of Ethics.
What is a Mentee?
Definition
An ArLA mentee, a.k.a. the person being mentored, is a library staff person or student seeking professional advice and guidance from a more experienced Arkansas library professional in order to achieve success in their new position or profession.
Qualifications
· ArLA member.
· Library staff person or student.
· Willing to commit 9-12 months to the program and communicate with mentor.
Benefits
· Share knowledge and experiences.
· Practice problem solving and listening skills.
· Meet people with varied experiences, skills, and contacts.
· Collaborate with mentors/mentees who have similar career goals, interests, and job functions.
· Learn what ArLA has to offer.
· Network with others in your field from various places.
· Become a future mentor for other professionals.
Expectations
· Communicate with your mentor.
· Take initiative and seek professional advice from your mentor when needed.
· Discuss your needs and objectives with your mentor.
· Embrace feedback from your mentor.
Mentoring Timeline
· Matchmaking occurs during summer, with the Mentoring Program beginning with the academic year, specifically at the time of the ArLA fall conference.
· There is no specific timeline for accomplishing different aspects of the mentoring program. Each mentoring pair will work on different projects they develop.
· The ArLA Mentoring Program is a 9-12 month program.