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Session
3 Materials Soaring to Excellence 2003 Time, Technology and Techniques Friday, March 21, 2003
(12:00-2:00 Eastern
Time)
Mentoring Information SheetMentoring is a way of teaching that dates back to ancient times. LTA students and library support staff can benefit from finding a mentor to help them “learn the ropes” at their library. Here are some questions to ask yourself before asking someone to be your mentor. 1. What is a mentor?A mentor is a person who agrees to help teach and guide another person. Historically, the relationship between the mentor and the person seeking a mentor (sometimes called a “mentee”) has been voluntary, informal, and mutually-agreed upon. A person may seek out a specific mentor; or a mentor may select a specific protégé—the best relationships often happen with self-selection (rather than through a formal assignment). 2. What do mentors do?Mentors teach through
Mentors share their own experiences—both successes and failures. They teach through stories and anecdotes, and offer insights that can only come with experience. Mentors model professional behavior. Mentors guide people through the learning landscape of their particular library; they teach people things that cannot be taught in school. Mentors advise people on complex situations that may not have a single right answer or approach. They offer observations and explanations that help people learn. Mentors support people and offer reassurance when learning becomes difficult or overwhelming. Mentors network with other library staff and professionals for their own professional growth and development, and provide people with the opportunity to do likewise. 3. What are the characteristics of your ideal mentor?First, consider the characteristics of a good mentor. These may include
Next, decide what characteristics you value most in a mentor. This will vary from individual to individual. One person may value a friendly, easy-going relationship with a mentor most, while another may value knowledge and technical skills over people skills. 4. What are your goals in working with a mentor?Determine how a mentor could best help you, and what you wish to learn. Set specific learning goals, whether they are tactical (learning how a particular job is done) or strategic (learning what and why something is done). Also set a specific time period to achieve your goals. 5. What can you do to be an effective mentee? Effective mentoring requires that everyone involved be committed to learning. Once you have determined your goals, you must also:
6. What can you do for your mentor?Effective mentoring requires time and effort on the part of the mentor. You will get the most benefit out of a mentoring relationship when you are proactive and responsible. You can help your mentor out by:
Once you have answered these questions, you can go to your potential mentor with a clear idea of what you want (your goals and timelines), and how you can help him or her in return. Don’t be discouraged if you get turned down the first time. Most people are flattered to be asked, even if they cannot help you. Keep looking—it will be worth the effort. Copyright © 2001-2003 College
of DuPage. Email comments to teleconference@cdnet.cod.edu |