To mentor and be mentored

Last week, several colleagues and I sat around a table and during our conversation the topic of mentorship was brought up. I’m sure we can all agree that there is value in mentorship relationships but how does one get started? There are various types of mentorship that can be explored at your work place and/or while you are still at library school. This past spring at the Toronto Ryerson York (TRY) conference, Jeannie An and Allison Bell presented on mentorship called “Mentorship Matters @ Mac” and discussed the various ways the McMaster library incorporated a formal mentorship program that matched incoming employees with experienced volunteer employees. This program consisted of formal agreements, setting of goals, and regular meetings, providing guidance and additional support to those who are new to the fold. They also mentioned that if the mentor and protege wanted to continue their mentorship relationship after the program, they had the option to do so. This program sounded very helpful to new employees, though it requires some planning and commitment from the organizing and mentoring/mentored parties. What is most beneficial about formal programs like this is that you will have a chance to connect with people you normally wouldn’t have. CLA also offers a program every conference year where members can choose to connect with other members, and various academic library internship positions offered through institutions like the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the University of Alberta Libraries also provide excellent means to connect, share, and learn from one another. Non-formal mentorship, like peer-mentorship and informal traditional mentorship are also excellent routes to develop relationships, and co-op, practicums, conferences, and committees provide the venues to connect with people and engage in mentorship relationships. Whether mentorship is formal or informal, traditional or peer, what I find to be the most important factor in mentorship relationships is genuine interest to invest in other’s lives for our collective growth and the future of our profession.
And this can start with you! If you are in the workforce, consider opening a slot in your busy agenda to connect with new professionals and also with those with more experience. There are lots to learn from recent graduates and seasoned professionals. If you are still a student, consider the above mentioned opportunities, or create opportunities through your local student chapter. You can set up a formal program where students in your school can connect with those in the workforce, or help inform each other of available opportunities that are out there. Together, we can be better!