Arkansas Library Association Mentoring Program
Frequently Ask Questions
MENTOR:
What is mentoring?
· Listening
· Volunteering
· Supporting & Caring
· Developing
· Encouraging
· Partnership
“The concept of mentoring is no longer tailored to tall, hierarchical organizations. Mentoring is now seen as a process whereby mentor and mentee work together to discover and develop the mentee’s talents.” (Mentoring: How to Develop Successful Mentor Behaviors by Gordon F. Shea)
What is not mentoring?
· Spending more time than you have
· Just advising
· Criticizing
· Rescuing
· A lengthy or exhausting relationship
· Reserved for experts
· Hard work
Why have an ArLA mentor?
Mentees will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with an experienced professional and learn about the ArLA organization, how it functions, and how to get more involved.
Why are mentors so important?
Mentors play a significant role in the lives of developing professionals by serving as teacher, coach, counselor, and role model. They provide feedback and encouragement, offer professional advice, and help others make the connection between their present performance and their future goals.
I have never been a mentor before. Do you offer any training for me?
As a mentor, you will need to have an understanding of ArLA and its committees and CIs, as well as an interest in providing guidance to someone who seeks your background as a library professional. If you are interested in learning more about ArLA and its structure, visit the website at: https://arlib.org.
Under the Resources section you will find a list of books, articles and websites that will help you find out more about mentoring. If you still have questions after reading the material, please contact the Membership Committee Chair. At the ArLA Annual Conference, we will provide a workshop orientation for mentors/mentees pairs and foster engagement opportunities.
What if I cannot answer the mentee's questions?
Some questions posed to you by your mentee might not be in your field of interest or within your scope of knowledge. When this situation arises, we encourage the mentor to refer another ArLA member who is well-versed in that subject.
How do I become a mentor?
To become a mentor, you need to fill out the Mentoring Program form. After your form has been received, the Membership Committee will contact you.
MENTEE:
What are the starting and ending dates for the Mentoring Program?
You can become part of the Mentoring Program at any time, with a target start date of early fall. It is a 9-12 month commitment. The ArLA Conference will be the official start of the program with mentee discounts available.
Who can be an ArLA mentee?
Any library staff or student who is a member of ArLA.
Is there a fee for joining the ArLA Mentoring Program?
No, there is no fee to join the ArLA Mentoring Program, but membership in ArLA is required.
How long does a mentee participate in the ArLA Mentoring Program?
The mentee and mentor pair will participate in the program for 9-12 months. During the time you participate you will be strongly encouraged to attend the ArLA Conference.
Who do I contact for more information on the Mentoring Program?
Membership Committee
membership@arlib.org
How do I apply for the ArLA Mentoring Program?
Complete the Mentoring Program Application Form.
After I apply for the ArLA Mentoring Program, who will contact me?
After your application has been received, you will be notified by email. Once a mentor is identified, one who matches your area of librarianship and interests as described by your answers on the mentee's application, they will contact you by email.
Are mentoring connections confidential?
In order to foster open and honest communication, the mentee must be able to trust the mentor not to disclose their discussions with others. Therefore, communication between the mentee and mentor will be kept confidential.
How many times should I meet with my mentor?
The number of times will vary depending on the needs of the pairs. You should meet or communicate several times as needed throughout the year. It is up to you how you do this – face to face, on Zoom, via email, reviewing documents, giving feedback, etc. This is something you and your mentor should agree on at the outset.
If I have a suggestion to improve the Mentoring Program, whom can I contact?
Your comments are very important to us and we appreciate all types of feedback. Please send questions and comments via email to either your mentor or the Chair of the Membership Committee or membership@arlib.org.
Suggested Activities for Mentors
1. Recommend podcasts, webinars, online workshops, and in-person workshops.
o Mentor may suggest different career learning opportunities for the mentee to attend or listen to.
2. Provide resume building suggestions.
o Mentor may suggest different career learning opportunities for the mentee to either attend or listen to.
o Mentor may work with mentee to develop goals and objectives to explore career interests and evaluate the overall focus and appearance of the resume/curriculum vitae.
3. Develop a special project.
o Mentor may recommend a particular program to attend during the ArLA Annual Conference.
o At the end of the mentoring relationship, mentors and/or mentees may either give a presentation at the ArLA Conference or write an article for Arkansas Libraries on their mentoring experience.
4. Recommend articles or other resources on mentoring (see Mentoring Resources).
5. Help identify an ArLA committee for mentee and encourage professional develop activities such as facilitating a mentee’s experience at a conference or workshop.