{"id":23718,"date":"2025-01-14T23:28:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T23:28:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bclaconnect.ca\/mentorship\/?page_id=23718"},"modified":"2026-01-22T16:50:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T16:50:16","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bclaconnect.ca\/mentorship\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nPollinate Login<\/a>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion db_closeable=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I’ve submitted my Expression of Interest form. What happens next?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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 matching software called Pollinate<\/strong><\/a>, which is a Canadian-based mentorship program. Pollinate will then email you a more detailed intake form to better understand your interests and skills and help us determine a good match.<\/p>\n

You and your mentorship partner will be sent an email of introduction and instructions on how to best utilize Pollinate as a communication hub, which includes a section for resources. If you have any questions about this process, please email us<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Do I need to fill-in both the intake survey and Knowledge Transfer Index survey?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

When you receive an email from Pollinate, our mentorship platform, it will include an invite to fill-in the intake survey, which helps match the mentors and mentees based on shared interests, goals, and skills. This survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete.<\/p>\n

And then, there’s an additional Knowledge Transfer Index (KTI) survey which provides further insight into your style of learning, instruction, and leadership. This report enhances the match and should prove to be informative, so we highly recommend filling-in both forms. The KTI survey takes up to 20 minutes to fill in.<\/p>\n

It is recommended to fill-in both, to ensure a match that’s not only based on career-related interests but learning and leadership styles. The only exception<\/strong> is if you are a repeat participant<\/strong>. In that case, you do not need to fill-in the KTI survey again.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I received a report of my future match and think there may be a mistake. What should I do?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

Our partners at Pollinate utilize your survey and Knowledge Transfer Index survey to create a match on a variety of interests, styles, and skills, but there are still subtleties in the library field that might mean your match report needs reassessment.<\/p>\n

If you are concerned,\u00a0please email the BCLA Mentorship committee<\/a> in a timely manner, who will explain the discrepancy to the Pollinate support team<\/a> and aim to conduct a re-match before the program is in full-swing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is the match created only by Artificial Intelligence?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

The intake survey and Knowledge Transfer Index (KTI) assessment hosted by Pollinate are guided by a “Cross-Pollinate AI” algorithm that weights your priorities and style of learning or leadership to enable sorting of a large group of participants. The initial matches are then forwarded to the BCLA Mentoring Committee<\/strong> to review and re-consider with a lens of library roles and library settings. Matches can always be adjusted or changed but there is no guarantee of a “perfect match.”<\/p>\n

Utilizing Pollinate has meant that we can include a larger pool of participants, which is beneficial because the likelihood of matching specific interests or identities is improved. An algorithm assists in this process, but the committee then takes over to approve the matches. If you would like to be part of this process please contact the committee by email<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What are the first steps for the mentee and mentor to connect?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

After Pollinate has determined a match and the mentoring committee has approved it, you will receive an email with the name and contact information of your match. We encourage everyone to attend the launch session (or view the recording after) and then it is the mentee <\/strong>who should take initiative and reach out to their mentor to determine availability and a plan to connect.<\/p>\n

In a mentoring relationship, it is ultimately the mentee who is requesting guidance but it does take two to sustain the connection. From there, it is advised to consult the resources via the Pollinate platform for both parties to make the most out of meetings, so that they are intentional and focused, and guide your progress.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What do I do if I cannot complete the mentorship program?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

Life happens. Sometimes there’s a change in career or a family emergency, and your plans need to be altered.<\/p>\n