Mentoring Program
Due to the success of the pilot, we are again offering the DLA Mentoring Program! This is an exciting opportunity to create a larger community within DLA (and outside of it) and help library workers gain skills that they need to be successful in their libraries. We are looking for individuals interested in being a mentor or mentee!
Who should apply to be a mentee? If you are looking to connect and network with a Delaware librarian who has been working in the field for several years – please consider signing up! This program is designed to address questions brought up by you about areas of librarianship you want to learn more about. We strive to connect you with a mentor who can speak about areas that you are interested in! That could be collection development, work/life balance, applying to grants, communication, etc.
Who should apply to be a mentor? If you have been working in libraries for a few years and can speak to any experiences and skills (either within your type of library or outside) – please consider signing up! We are looking for mentors in all types of libraries – public, academic, school, and special! This program is designed to address questions brought up by individual mentees, but we do provide monthly talking points to focus on if that helps to guide the conversation.
How long does the program last? The official program will start October 1st and will run monthly through May 31st.
What is the time commitment for this program? Although it is a monthly commitment, the meeting times/dates are determined by the mentee and mentor.
In addition, mentors are expected to attend a short onboarding session via zoom on October 3rd and a wrap up meeting on April 10th. Mentees are expected to attend two meetings with cohort members on October 6th and January 23rd as well as the wrap up meeting on April 10th.
When are applications due? Applications are due by September 15, 2025 to be considered for this upcoming cycle. This is not a rolling program, although applications will be accepted throughout the year and held until the following year if not received by the deadline. You will be contacted the week of September 22 with information on matches and start of the program information.
What if I previously filled out an application to be a mentor? If you indicated a willingness to be a mentor in the past, you do not need to fill out another application unless there have been significant changes to your career. If you are no longer interested or able to be a mentor, please contact the planning committee.
To learn more about expectations, requirements, and potential areas that could be covered in mentoring sessions, please read the Guidelines documentation. In order to apply, please fill out an application.
Questions about the program can be directed to Kaitlyn Tanis at kltanis@udel.edu.
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