UBC Library Mentorship Program


Working with Your Mentor/Mentee | Sample Activities | Resources and Readings | Application

UBC Library has developed a mentorship program by matching UBC librarians and archivists with graduate MLIS and MAS students from the School of Information designed for MLIS and MAS students who are interested in a career in academic libraries.  The deadline to apply is September 30, 2022.

Library and information studies (LIS) programs cannot teach everything as knowledge is unique to each specific position and learning often happens informally, often through mentorship or on the job. Although mentoring is widely valued within libraries, mentoring among LIS students is not common, largely because internships and field experiences are not universally required and mentorship has been conceived mostly as a professional relationship that occurs after one has obtained a position.  At the same time, mentorship is also an important aspect to recruit, retain, and revitalize the library workforce, and is critical to supporting student populations that are from underrepresented and marginalized groups.

As a mentee, what are my responsibilities?

  • Available to communicate with your mentor on a regular basis
  • Be prepared to reflect on practice and work with your mentor to identify professional goals
  • Recognize and maintain confidentiality
  • Be open to meeting with your mentee(s) on campus and in-person
  • 2-3 hours commitment per month

Link for the Mentee Application Form

As a mentor, what are my responsibilities?

  • Available to communicate with your mentee on a regular basis
  • Be prepared to model and reflect on practice and support mentees in identifying professional goals
  • Recognize and maintain confidentiality
  • Be open to meeting with your mentee(s) on campus and in-person
  • 2-3 hours commitment per month.

Link for the Mentor Application Form

Benefits to mentors and mentees:

  • Developing new relationships and meeting new colleagues in the library community
  • Practicing and refining leadership and coaching skills for mentors
  • Receiving recognition for experience and accomplishments
  • Getting a fresh perspective and insight into the challenges that face new and existing professionals

Terms of Reference

  • Time commitment of the program: November, 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023.
  • Mentors and mentees will develop their program through a combination of virtual meetings.
  • A $100 stipend for activities (examples include: lunch/coffee meetings, cultural offerings at the UBC campus, professional development events, and online webinars).
  • At the conclusion of the mentorship, mentors and mentees will be invited to share their experiences.

Questions?