In February, one of our ALSC Mentoring Program matches contributed a piece to the #mentorALSC Newsletter on their experience in the program up until that point. Below is their fun and inspiring message!
Mentee – Marlowe
Being new to the profession, the time spent in conversation with my mentor has been invaluable. It has provided training in the form of a wealth of ideas, networking opportunities with seasoned library professionals and increased my confidence within my newly minted role as the Youth Services Librarian.
Our monthly conversations allow me to talk about upcoming events, current happenings within my library as well as current trends within the profession. In addition, the calls provide me with an opportunity to ask lots of questions using my mentor as a sounding board for my thoughts.
It is especially beneficial for me as a mentee because my mentor is Paula Holmes who also happens to be an ALSC Fiscal Officer. With each call, I feel I grow as a librarian because I can mimic her kindness, knowledge and willingness to be of service to others. Thank you for the opportunity.
Mentor- Paula
ALSC has a robust mentorship program, of which I am so proud, but had not envisioned myself as a mentor. I currently serve the association as Fiscal Officer, but have not been a salaried librarian in 21 years. When Membership Specialist, Elizabeth Serrano called upon board members to step up, I did so knowing I was slightly out of my comfort zone. Luckily, my universe is filled with skilled and knowledgeable friends and colleagues that would now be embarking on this journey with me.
I queried Elizabeth on how she creates mentor/mentee matches, because I could have not wished for a better connection. My mentee, Marlowe Bogino, like myself, had another career before becoming a librarian. After discussion, Marlowe created goals for the year with a timeline. I use her mentee goals as a guide for my mentor goals. I gather tips and resources, contacts and professional development options. I think it would be outstanding to navigate an ALA Conference with my mentee. Showing her the ropes would afford me the opportunity for me to see the conference with new eyes. Perhaps, we could have a “Mentea party” with others in the mentorship program. Until then, we plan a one-hour phone call once a month, with emails in between. We have never met in person, but we settle into easy conversations, catch up on library happenings, hash out ideas, and plan our next chat. After every phone call I email Elizabeth and thank her for giving me this incredibly positive experience.
The ALSC Mentoring Program should be a symbiotic learning experience as also described in Kathia and Crystal’s blog post last week.
Applications for the 2018-19 ALSC Mentoring Program are now open and will close on August 31, 2018. We hope you will be a part of it! You can find criteria, our program guide, and additional details on the ALSC website.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competency: VII. Professionalism and
Professional Development.