You have a vacancy in your youth services department. How can you make sure that you get the right person for the job and that they will be successful?
Tag: mentoring
ALSC Mentoring Program Perspectives #mentorALSC
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…
Fall Mentoring Program: Become an ALSC Mentor
Last week, ALSC opened its applications for the Fall 2017 Mentoring Program. As expressed in my previous post regarding mentoring, we understand that this program, and more opportunities to help develop and empower librarians, are increasingly becoming more necessary and important with the times. This has already proven to be true because in just its few days of being open, we have received over 25 mentee applicants! Change. ALSC is hoping to implement some changes in the program this year, beginning with the application itself. We’ve added sections to both mentee and mentor applications: Gender, Geographic Region, and Race/Ethnicity. We are hoping that by the addition of these sections, we’re demonstrating our commitment to our strategic plan objectives, while demonstrating our commitment to smarten the way we match. These additions, along with other changes in support, will help us improve communication between matches, which will ultimately lead to a more…
Volunteer to Be a Mentor or Mentee
ALSC announced the opening of spring 2017 applications for the ALSC Mentoring Program. The program, which is open to members and non-members, is intended to help strengthen connections in the field and build the confidence of a new cohort of leaders. Applications are now open for both mentors and mentees. The application process ends on Friday, February 24, 2017.
Mentoring: Make a Co-Conspirator!
ALSC announced the opening of spring 2016 applications for the mentoring program. The program, which is open to members and non-members, is intended to help build a new collection of leaders in the field of library service to children. Applications are now open for both mentors and mentees. The application process ends on Friday, September 9, 2016.
Mentoring: How You Can Give Back to the Profession
January was National Mentoring Month, but there’s still time to make a difference. The ALSC Mentoring Program is in it’s third year of existence and it’s worth re-visiting what the program is all about. In 2012, the ALSC Emerging Leaders team put together recommendations for a new mentoring program. The original intention was to pair early career professionals with experienced ALSC members. Since Fall 2013, ALSC has been matching mentors and mentees in an effort to make new connections in the profession and increase awareness of interest and familiarity with ALSC committee service and participation. Mentors and mentees set their own goals and meet on their own time. Matches do a lot of different activities, including mock interviews, writing blog posts, and performing research. What Does It Take To Be a Mentor? One difficulty for the program has been in attracting as many mentors as mentees. The misconception is that it is easy…
Applications Open for ALSC Mentoring Program
ALSC announced the opening of spring 2016 applications for the mentoring program. The program, which is open to members and non-members, is intended to help build a new collection of leaders in the field of library service to children. Applications are now open for both mentors and mentees. The application process ends on Friday, February 26, 2016. The program lasts one year. Mentee applicants do not need to be ALSC or ALA members. Mentees have some connection to children’s library service and must be 18 or have permission from a parent/guardian. Mentees may be students, early career professionals, individuals returning to the profession, or those who would like to refine their skills, make connections, and learn more about children’s librarianship as a career. ALSC especially invites mentor applicants. Mentors are those individuals who seek to be re-energized and re-invigorated in their work. Mentor applicants must be ALSC members and should…
Winning Traits
Skill in presenting programs, an understanding of child development, and a love for working with young people are all traits required for staff working in youth services. There are other important traits which outstanding youth services staff must possess. When the time comes to replace a member of this department, what skills, characteristics and strengths do you seek? What do you admire in your colleagues? It is true that youth services staff must have the special ability to connect with young people and their caregivers, but there are other characteristics that are necessary for staff to be the best team players they can be and for them to have the most positive impact on the team. A positive mind set, a strong work ethic, and problem-solving abilities are qualities that make staff excel. For a positive mindset to truly make an impact in the workplace, it must be all encompassing…