Music Library Association Mentoring Programs

~Conference Mentoring~
~Career Mentoring~

The Personnel Subcommittee of the Administration Committee, the Membership Committee, and the Placement Officer, are pleased to present two mentoring programs!

The Conference Mentoring Program, formerly known as the "First-Time Attendees Program," is designed to pair a newcomer with an experienced colleague. Participants will be matched prior to the Conference and can meet each other at the Conference Mentoring Reception (or First-Time Attendees Reception) on Wednesday evening. Ideally, the mentor will assist the mentee in getting the most out of the Conference.

Expectations for those in the Conference Mentoring Program are:

• Attend first-time attendees reception;
• Attend a session, roundtable, and/or exhibits together;
• Mentor should introduce mentee to people at the conference;
• Consider sharing a meal and perhaps attending two program designed especially for newcomers, such as the New Members Forum (after which a dinner traditionally happens) and the First-Time Attendees Reception.

The Career Mentoring Program is new this year! It is intended for anyone entering music librarianship as either a new librarian or from a different field, as well as for those changing roles within music librarianship. Every attempt will be made to pair participants by interest areas. The mentoring program lasts for one year beginning at or soon following the annual meeting. Pairs may choose to meet each other during the annual meeting, but this is not a requirement.

The expectations for those in the Career Mentoring Program are:

• The mentor will initiate contact with the mentee;
• The mentor will explore with the mentee the purpose and goals of the relationship, and both parties shall agree on the topics that will be covered over the course of one year, February to February;
• The mentor will share political and organizational savvy on aspects of music librarian's roles within institutions;
• The mentor will introduce the mentee to the professional world by:
  • Demonstrating valued behavior as a role model;
  • Providing a confidential forum for discussing ideas and decisions;
  • Suggesting ways to navigate in professional and institutional arenas
  • Serving as discussion partner on professional responsibilities and on other matters of interest;
  • Acting as a catalyst for exposure to opportunities for research, publishing, and committee assignments.

If the relationship develops well, the mentor will be able to supply a letter of reference. All mentors and mentees must be members in good standing of the Music Library Association. The mentor and mentee will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire on their efforts over the year, as well as on the usefulness of the Career Mentoring Program.

Individuals interested in participating in either or both programs are invited to submit an online application form or a pdf version to print and mail. Additional information for the Conference Mentoring Program may be requested from Sarah Dorsey of the Membership Committee or Jennifer Ottervik, Placement Officer; or, for the Career Mentoring Program, from Laurel Whisler or Jeanette Casey, both of the Personnel Subcommittee.