The BCLA Mentorship Program is coordinated and run by a group of dedicated volunteers. Learn more about the Mentorship Committee and how to contribute here.
Why Mentorship?
The BCLA Mentorship Program exists to connect and empower library workers by fostering positive relationships in the library community. The program encourages sharing, and aims to promote leadership and commitment to the profession.
Benefits to mentors:
- Sharing one’s experiences while offering feedback and encouragement
- Developing new relationships and meeting new colleagues in the library community
- Practicing and refining leadership and coaching skills
- Receiving recognition for experience and accomplishments
- Getting a fresh perspective and insight into the challenges that face new professionals
Benefits to mentees:
- Having an opportunity to learn and gain feedback and suggestions from experienced professionals in the field
- Meeting and developing professional relationships with colleagues
- Insight into the realities of library and information work or perhaps a different field from your own
While networking is encouraged, the Mentorship Program does not exist to facilitate job placements or internships.
Who should get involved?
We welcome all kinds of mentors and mentees to the program, from library directors to library assistants, from those who are just starting their career to those who have years of experience!
Mentors
Are you an experienced library professional? Are you a good communicator and an active participant in the profession? Do you have strong interpersonal and leadership skills? Are you interested in challenging and encouraging a less experienced member of the library community? If you answered yes to these questions, you would be an ideal mentor. Experienced library professionals at all levels and in all types of libraries can make great mentors. Membership in BCLA is encouraged, but is not a pre-requisite for mentors wishing to participate in the program. In order to create the most successful mentor/mentee pairings possible, we ask that mentors have at least 3 years of experience in the field of library sciences.
Mentees
Are you inquisitive and curious about your chosen profession? Are you willing to learn and able to accept feedback graciously? Are you willing to enter into an open, honest dialogue? If you answered yes to these questions, you would be a suitable mentee. Mentees must be BCLA members in good standing in order to be eligible for the program. If you are not currently a member of BCLA, please sign up today and do note that students / new grads can join free of charge. No previous library work experience is necessary for mentees.
Potential Mentees could include:
- New graduates
- Current students
- Newly employed library workers
- Library workers new to Canada or B.C.
- Employees returning to the workforce after an extended absence
- Library workers curious about a different field of librarianship
I’m sold, what do I do now?
Now that we have sold you on the benefits of professional mentorship, please fill in the Expression of Interest form [Please note that the 2025 session deadline has now passed].
Once the Expression of Interest period closes and the Mentorship Committee confirms we have a balanced number of mentors and mentees, the pairing process begins with assistance from our new matching software called Pollinate, which is a Canadian-based mentorship program. Pollinate will deliver a more detailed intake form to better understand your interests and skills and help us determine a good match.
You and your mentorship partner will be sent an email of introduction and instructions on how to best utilize Pollinate as a communication hub. If you have any questions about this process, please email us.
Thank you for your interest in the BCLA Mentorship Program.
Share, Challenge, Grow!