I'm responding to the group because I think the discussion of mentoring is important enough to share.
There are several mentoring opportunities available through ALA and its divisions. Sadly, the one that I think would have been most helpful to you is no longer available. One of the forerunners of the Core division was ALCTS and they had what I considered a very successful mentoring program; at least, I found it successful. Its focus was on collections and technical services, so it would have been a good fit. Does anybody know if there are plans in Core to start this up again?
There is the ACRL Dr. E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor Program for students who are of descent in an underrepresented group. There is also the New Member Round Table mentoring program - https://www.ala.org/rt/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/mentor/mentoringcommittee.
And now for the part that I was leading up to...the Library Research Round Table's Mentoring Committee is revising its mentoring program. While it will be open to all library staff who have an interest in developing a research program or conducting research, the primary audience will be new academic librarians who may be required to conduct research for promotion. Please stay tuned for more information and for a special session at ALA Annual in Washington D.C.
I hope this helps you in your quest.
Karen R. Harker, MLS, MPH
Preferred Pronouns: she, her, hers
Collection Assessment Librarian
UNT Libraries
Original Message:
Sent: 2/12/2022 5:51:00 PM
From: Julie Winkelstein
Subject: Posting request from student
Please excuse cross-posting!
Hello everyone,
I'm posting this for one of past students, Kay Hames. Please contact Kay directly if you have any questions or suggestions. Thank you! Julie Winkelstein
From Kay:
"My name is Kay Hames and I am graduating from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with my MSIS in May 2022 and am looking for a position in an academic, public or special library where there is an opportunity for mentoring from a veteran librarian. Most of my current experience is in Access Services and outreach, but I have a broad range of interests and am quick to learn. I have particular interest in user experience, collection development, instruction, and archiving. I am a confident public speaker, enjoy collaborating, and designing programs and services for patrons. After three years of working in libraries, I am seeking a mentor to help me navigate the field and determine what type of librarianship would suit me best and to enhance my skills. If your library is currently hiring any positions you think fit this description, please reach out to me by email at khames@vols.utk.edu! I would love to chat over email or set up a zoom or phone conversation. Thank you!"
Julie Ann Winkelstein, PhD, MLIS
Librarian, writer, teacher, activist