General, Public, School Media Specialist

Be a Mentor for ALSC !

You have a lot to share!

As an experienced library person, you remember back to when you were new in libraries, or new in your job. Did someone help you? You can be that person who helps to make someone else’s journey easier and more fulfilling!

The Association of Library Service to Children is looking for mentors – and you may be just the person they need!!

You do not need to be a member of ALA or ALSC, or to have a library degree, to mentor someone. You just need to be willing to talk with someone who is new, and who could use a source for guidance in questions and support. I’ve been in CMLE libraries, so I know we have many people here who would just be great mentors!!

Apply today!! (Check in with us here at CMLE Headquarters if you want to talk about your application!)

The ALSC Mentoring Program seeks to match individuals with an interest in library service to children together. A one-year program, participants have the opportunity to apply twice a year (once in the summer, once in the fall). This program is administered by the ALSC Membership Committee and the Managing Children’s Services Committee.

The objectives of ALSC mentoring program are as follows:
1. Build the skills and confidence of early career children’s librarians and those new to the profession
2. Encourage personal and professional connections
3. Give members the opportunity to acquire peer-taught skills
4. Re-energize and re-invigorate members in their work
5. Create interest and familiarity with ALSC committee service and participation
6. Build familiarity with ALSC’s Competencies for Librarians Serving Children in Public Libraries
7. Foster the development of a new cohort of leaders

Spring 2017 Applications

Applications for the Spring 2017 ALSC Mentoring Program are now available. Mentors and mentees with an interest in youth service are encouraged to apply by Friday, February 24, 2017.

Apply

Mentee applicants do not need to be ALSC or ALA members. The only requirement is that mentees have some connection to children’s library service. Mentees may be students, early career professionals, individuals returning to the profession, or those who would like to refine their skills, make connections, and learn more about children’s librarianship as a career.

Mentor applicants must be ALSC members and should have experience working in the field of children’s librarianship or children’s literature.

The ALSC Mentoring Program suggests that matches be in contact at least twice a month. This could be via email, phone, Skype, online chat, etc.

Matches

Working with a match
What goes into a match? Learn how to work with your mentor/mentee.

Suggested activities
Matches are given the freedom to determine their own activities, but ALSC provides a list of suggested activities.

Mentoring resources
Explore mentoring outside of the ALSC mentoring program. Find resources that will help you improve your match.

Timeline

Spring
January  – February 2017 – Applications accepted for both mentors and mentees
March – April 2017 – Working group reviews applications and notifications are sent to accepted participants
April – May 2017 – Matches submit goals and attend a virtual orientation
Fall
July – August 2017 – Applications accepted for Fall 2017 mentoring program
September – October 2017 – Working group reviews applications and notifications are sent to accepted participants
November – December 2017 – Matches submit goals and attend a virtual orientation