ALIA West

November 2002

Group Mentoring Program WALTGuMP

The WA Library Technicians' Group Mentoring Program, or WALTGuMP aims to ease the transition of recently qualified library technicians into the workplace. Are you interested? Read on and you might find the program will be of benefit to you.

What is WALTGuMP?
WALTGuMP is a forum where library technician graduates come together to discuss issues, ideas and topics of interest that they have in common. Some examples might include getting that first job or establishing and maintaining a professional profile. Facilitators, who can offer the benefit of their experience, guide the group but the group participants determine the exact focus of the meetings.

Who will be in WALTGuMP?
Group members are recent graduates from library technician courses in Western Australia. They need to be ALIA members as well. The facilitators have experience working as library technicians and are also ALIA members.

WALTGuMP objectives

• Provide opportunities to explore identified continuing professional development needs, in library and information specific and generic areas.
• Facilitate sharing of information, ideas and feedback in a supportive environment.
• Encourage the application of the skills learnt in formal education to practical issues and experiences.
• Assist participants to develop and achieve their career plans.
• Provide opportunities for participants to learn and practice mentoring and peer support skills.
• Encourage the development of leadership roles.
• Introduce the participants to relevant committees, groups and networks.

What does the group hope to achieve?
The purpose of WALTGuMP is to help ease the transition process for graduates starting in the workplace. Members benefit from the knowledge and experience offered by the facilitators, but they are also able to offer the group the value of their own experience as they begin their careers. All this takes place in a supportive and encouraging environment. There is an emphasis on developing peer support networks. There are also practical benefits, as the facilitators will introduce members to their networks and contacts when appropriate.

Who facilitates the group meetings?
For the 2003 program the facilitators will be:
Judy Allan (library technician, Legal Aid WA).
Judy Smith (library technician, Information Resources Access Management, UWA Library)
Other experienced library technicians and information professionals will be called upon to assist in response to particular needs identified by the group.

Where and when will the group meet?
The group will meet initially Wednesday 13 November 2002 at 5:30 for a 5:45 start in Room 2.9 at the State Library of Western Australia, then regularly from late January to October 2003, at locations to be decided by the group. Meetings (usually of 1.5 hours duration) will take place early in the evening. The dates of the meetings will also be determined by the group.

How do I join the group?
Simply fill in the details below and return to Judy Allan at 12 Ardagh Street, Morley 6062.
Alternatively you can e-mail your details to Judy.