The ARLIS/NA Mentoring Subcommittee seeks applications for the new Virtual Mentoring program. You can apply to be a mentor, mentee, or both using our online form.

http://tinyurl.com/bruvs2p

Both the mentor and mentee benefit from a successful relationship.
                • Mentors provide mentees support, insight, and expertise.
                • Mentees offer mentors information about emerging professional trends and technologies, a renewed enthusiasm for issues in art librarianship, and new perspectives.

We believe that mentoring is not only valuable for the mentor and mentee, but for ARLIS as a whole. A healthy organization supports mentoring to ensure that individuals coming up in the profession are well-positioned to carry out the goals of the organization.

See below for additional information or visit: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1Xuxf7c-mxCxWQhTl3ynetmk6HHrDEzni-BRhx4KTQcU

ARLIS/NA Mentoring Subcommittee

Rachel Resnik
Jessica Shaykett
Sarah Sherman
Anna Simon
Heather Slania

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What is the ARLIS/NA virtual mentoring program?

• Like the yearlong career mentoring program, the virtual mentoring program will pair ARLIS/NA  members as mentors and mentees. Instead of meeting at the national conference, all training and communication is conducted online. Communication between pairs is self-initiated, but the Mentoring Subcommittee will correspond with pairs and is available to help facilitate a successful relationship.

Who can participate in virtual mentoring?

• Everyone! Whether you’ve been in the profession for twenty or two years, you can benefit from sharing your perspective with another colleague as a mentor or mentee. All ARLIS/NA members are strongly encouraged to participate.

•  Participants need to be able to commit an hour or two each month for the course of a years. Mentoring  requires a  regular commitment, some planning, and some initiative. A mentoring relationship doesn’t just happen, both the mentor and mentee must commit to and cultivate it.

• We welcome mentee applications from members in mid-career.  And encourage senior level mentors to apply to accommodate our mid-career mentees.

How does  this program work?

•  Those who wish to participate can fill out an application here: http://tinyurl.com/bruvs2p

•  The mentoring subcommittee will match applicants based on like interests

• Each pair will be directed to training materials—a DVD and a few handouts  that discuss :

     --what mentoring means

     --roles and responsibilities for mentors and mentees

     --how to communicate with each other (e.g. using non-directive language)

     --tips for creating a successful mentoring relationship

     --suggestions for discussion topics (professionalism, ethics, professional development, etc.)

     --a worksheet for setting goals for the year

• Upon setting goals, each mentor/mentee pair communicates with each other once a month on mutually agreed upon topics. This is totally self-directed.

• Like in the yearlong career mentoring program, the Mentoring subcommittee will check in with the pairs periodically to ensure their communication is on track and on occasion to recommend readings.

• Mentors and mentees are always welcome to contact a member of the Mentoring subcommittee to seek assistance.

When is this happening?

• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting right now, we will pair mentors and mentees anytime we have an appropriate pair.

• Pairs are expected to commit a year to the program.

• Monthly communication is typical. Communication might be more frequent if the mentee is going through a particularly challenging transitional period.

Where?

• Wherever you can access to the internet and have a phone line.

• Mentors and mentee pairs are typically not close geographically.  While it would be nice for pairs to have the opportunity to meet face to face, the advantage to geographic distance is that it provides a minimal level of privacy. E.g. mentors and mentees are less likely to know the players in when sharing anecdotes about difficult work situations.

Why should you participate?

• For mentees

     --To build a relationship with a more experienced ARLIS/NA member.

     --To have someone within ARLIS/NA who takes interest in your development as an art librarian and who will offer you honest feedback as you negotiate professional challenges.

• For mentors

      --To feel good about fulfilling part of your professional responsibility .

     --To keep current with the latest technologies and theories. Learn from your mentee’s experience and interests.

     --To enjoy a rare opportunity for self-reflection. By taking the time to share your experiences and perspectives with another individual you lean about yourself.

     -- Because ARLIS/NA can never have too many mentors. There are many eager prospective mentees and not enough mentors to go around.

• For ARLIS/NA

     --Healthy organizations encourage mentoring because it builds future leaders.