California Academic & Research Libraries

Mission and Scope of Program

The CARL Mentoring Program seeks to match CARL members with more experienced colleagues.

The mentee side of the program is for new and mid career librarians, including librarians who may have recently relocated to California, shifted library type (from public to academic, for example) or otherwise could benefit from advice or a more formal introduction to California academic library culture.

The mentor side of the program is for mid to late career librarians who have worked in academic libraries for at least five years.

One mentor per mentee. The official length of the formal relationship will be one year and can be extended by mutual agreement. Mentoring relationships should be confidential--neither of you should discuss the contents of your conversation with anyone else without the written permission of the other.

Mentor Expectations

• Be available.
• Remember to be tactful, supportive, and emphasize the positive.

More tips on getting the most out of your mentor experience.

Here are three more resources to help mentors: a bibliography, a list of libguides, and a list of mentoring programs.

Mentee Expectations

• Maintain regular contact with your mentor.
• Share your career plans, recount initiatives for professional development, ask for advice, reflect on your mentors observations, and inform your mentor about the results of your efforts.
• Be open to and take advantage of your mentor’s suggestions.

More tips on getting the most out of your mentee experience.

Signup

Sign up as a mentee.

To sign up as a mentor.

For more information, please contact someone on the CARL Mentoring Committee (see below).

CARL Mentoring Program Committee

Shamika J. Simpson, Chair
Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA
ssimpson@lbcc.edu