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<\/a><\/p>\nThe BCLA Mentorship Program is coordinated and run by a group of dedicated volunteers. Learn more about the Mentorship<\/strong> Committee<\/strong> and how to contribute here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Who? ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion db_closeable=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_level=”h4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Mentors” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> in the field of library sciences.<\/p>\n Benefits include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Mentees” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> in good standing in order to be eligible for the program. If you are not currently a member of BCLA, please sign up today<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and do note that students \/ new grads can join free of charge. No previous library work experience is necessary for mentees.<\/p>\n Potential Mentees could include:<\/p>\n Benefits include:<\/p>\n While networking is encouraged, the Mentorship Program does not exist to facilitate job placements or internships.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”What’s next” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If you are now excited about the benefits of professional mentorship, please fill in the Expression of Interest form.<\/p>\n Update: the form is now closed<\/strong> for the 2026 session. Please check back in October 2026.<\/p>\n Thank you for your interest in the BCLA Mentorship Program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Share, Challenge, Grow!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" The BCLA Mentorship Program exists to connect and empower Association members by fostering positive relationships in the library community. The program encourages sharing, and aims to promote leadership and commitment to the profession.<\/p> While networking is encouraged, the Mentorship Program does not exist to facilitate job placements or internships.<\/strong><\/p> 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.<\/p> 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<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p> Potential Mentees could include:<\/p> Now that we have sold you on the benefits of professional mentorship, please fill in the Expression of Interest form<\/a>. 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<\/strong><\/a>, 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.<\/p>Why Mentorship?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Who should get involved?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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I\u2019m in, what do I do now?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why Mentorship?<\/strong><\/h2>
Benefits to mentors:<\/strong><\/h2>
Benefits to mentees<\/strong>:<\/h2>
Who should get involved?<\/strong><\/h2>
Mentors<\/strong><\/h3>
Mentees<\/strong><\/h3>
I\u2019m sold, what do I do now?<\/strong><\/h2>
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