Overview of the One-on-One Mentoring Program

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a supportive learning relationship between a caring individual who shares knowledge, experience and wisdom with another individual who is ready and willing to benefit from this exchange, to enrich their professional journey.

Purpose of the program

To encourage interactions between new and experienced library and information professionals for professional advise, problem-solving and vision
To support the professional development and growth of library and information professionals in South Australia
To facilitate sharing of skills and knowledge

Expectations

Individual mentors and mentorees will be matched according to information from the 2006 mentoring survey
The length of the relationship will be 12 months
Mentors and mentorees will be expected to conduct most meetings face-to-face, if this is not practicable, by telephone
Mentors and mentorees will be asked to evaluate the program

For the mentoree

To gain the most from the mentoring relationship

Define your aspirations and goals, and express them clearly to your mentor
Be willing to confront challenges and accept feedback
Communicate regularly and openly with your mentor
Maintain confidentiality agreements

Benefits include

Expansion of your knowledge and understanding of library skills and practice
Support with change and difficulties
Professional contacts for wider networking and for reducing isolation
Honest and constructive feedback
Increased self-confidence

For the mentor

Your role is to develop the skills and career of your mentoree

Reinforce the strengths of the learner
Discuss mistakes and lessons learnt
Share your skills and knowledge about professional activities
Assist in solving work-related problems by listening and providing support, rather than by imposing your own solutions
Be open to new ideas
Maintain confidentiality agreements

Benefits include

Exposure to new ideas and interests
New opportunities for challenge
Personal satisfaction in sharing your experience, knowledge and skills
Opportunity to reflect on your own practices
Enhanced confidence from positive feedback

Role of the mentoring committee

Providing information and guidelines to participants
Receiving applications and negotiating pairings
Launching the scheme initially and organising subsequent intakes
Monitoring progress of partnerships
Problem-solving
Concluding/renewing agreements
Evaluating the program

Agenda for first meeting

Introductions
Share information about your background, experience and motivation to help establish a common ground.

Ground rules
Discuss the boundaries of what is acceptable or not acceptable to each of you, including confidentiality issues.

Objectives and expectation
Outline your objectives for the meeting and your expectations for the mentoring relationship.

Practicalities
Agree on times, durations, locations and frequency of meetings.

Action
Make a date for the next meeting and decide what you both need to do before it.

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