UMass Amherst Libraries Mentoring Program
- Home
- Goals & Guidelines
- Activities & Tips
- Mentoring Resources
- Program History
- Retirement Words of Wisdom
- Other Mentoring Opportunities
Guidelines for Subject/Function Mentoring
Subject- or function-based mentoring is an option promoted by the Mentoring Committee. It provides librarians access to experience outside their job description.
Each subject- or function-based librarian can be a mentor in their area of expertise. Mentees can ask for a mentor in that area. If there is no mentor available in that subject/function area, the Mentoring Committee will keep the application on file and work to
If more than one person is looking for a mentor in the same subject, the mentor could have separate relationships, or switch over to a “group mentoring” situation.
Mentoring activities could include talking about recent issues that have come up in that subject or area, exploring resources, or working together to create or improve a LibGuide so that it is more useful to beginners/non-experts.
It’s a way to cross-train amongst librarians while also having the Mentoring Program Committee act as a sort of support system to keep things on track. And it’s something to put on the resume.
Apply to be a subject/function-based mentor, or request one, here: https://forms.gle/iamvjVMnYQfCLiAS9
Goals of the Mentoring Program
The Mentoring Program is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals who would like to avail themselves of the experience, wisdom and advice of their colleagues in a loosely structured environment. While the mentoring relationship can vary widely depending on the individuals involved and the goals they identify together, the following list reflects the core objectives of the Mentoring Program.
• Sharing skills, experience and expertise
• Providing support and guidance on workplace and professional development issues
• Expanding organizational perspectives beyond an individual’s department and/or division
• Enhancing workplace satisfaction and retention
• Developing contacts
• Facilitating library recruitment
Guidelines of the Mentoring Program
• The formal duration of the mentor/mentee appointment will be as requested in the Mentee Request, but no longer than 1 year .
• Meetings should take place every 4-6 weeks.
• Meetings between mentor and mentee are considered work time, are recognized as library service and may be included in their respective APRs.
• All discussions between mentor and mentee will be confidential.
• A mentor will have at least 2 years service in the Library.
• A mentor will have no more than 1 mentee at a time.
- Last Updated: May 13, 2024 3:23 PM
- URL: https://guides.library.umass.edu/mentoring
- Print Page
