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The NMRT Career Mentoring program will last from October to June. Conference attendance is not required.

Each pair will have a member of the NMRT Mentoring Committee assigned to them. This committee member will notify the mentor and mentee of their pairing, and send them monthly discussion topics via email. Mentors and mentees are of course free to discuss whatever they want, whenever and however they would like. These topics are merely guidelines. The committee member will also serve as a troubleshooter if any problems come up, for example if you stop hearing from your partner or never make contact.

We will try to make everything go as smoothly as possible, but the unforeseen will likely arise. Please feel free to send us any and all questions, comments, criticisms and accolades that you may have.

Mentor

What is a mentor?

A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor. Within the context of a career, a mentor is an experienced person who provides guidance and support to a developing professional.*

Qualifications

We encourage mentors from all types of libraries, in all positions, to apply for the career mentoring program. A career mentor must have been employed in a professional position for at least five years, and be willing to correspond with their mentee through digital telecommunications, email, or phone. Mentors can be from any division or affiliate group in order to show mentees the many opportunities for involvement in . A mentor needs to have a sincere interest in helping librarians who are new to the profession or library students. Mentoring involves being a good listener, a thoughtful advisor and a role model.

Expectations

Mentors will be expected to initiate contact with the mentee at the start of the program with an introductory email. If there are ever any administrative questions, mentors will have access to an NMRT Mentoring Committee member to help troubleshoot. At the end of the program, mentors will be asked to give feedback to the Committee to help determine how the program can be improved. Mentors will receive a letter recognizing their service in this program for their files upon request.

Benefits

• Contribute to the profession by helping to develop future leaders.
• Gain leadership and communication skills.
• Grow and learn from the experience.

Mentee

What is a mentee?

Mentees, or proteges, (those being mentored) are new librarians who have been employed in a professional position for 6 months-5 years.

Qualifications

We welcome mentees from all types of libraries, in all positions, to apply for the career mentoring program. Mentees are those who have been in a professional position for 6 months to 5 years and seek guidance and advice from an experienced librarian. membership is encouraged but not required. This is not intended as a job search program; please consult the for more assistance with gaining initial employment in the field.

Expectations

Mentors will be expected to introduce themselves to you initially via email at the start of the program, at which point mentees will respond with an introduction of their own. If there are ever any administrative questions, mentees will have access to an NMRT Mentoring Committee member to help troubleshoot. At the end of the program, mentees will be asked to give feedback to the Committee to help determine how the program can be improved. Mentees will receive a letter recognizing their participation in this program for their files upon request.

Benefits

• Receive support and guidance.
• Meet other professionals, networking opportunities.
• Develop confidence.

All Participants

All participants are asked to recognize that participating in this program involves a time commitment and a commitment to your mentor/mentee. Further, participants are asked to inform the NMRT committee member supervising their pairing if there are any problems contacting their partner at any time. Finally, mentors and mentees should keep in mind that this program is a learning experience for all participants.

If you have any questions or interest in being a mentor or a mentee, contact the NMRT Mentoring Committee at jamie.kurumaji@fresnolibrary.org, please.

* adapted from Bolton's definition of a mentor (1980).