The Ontario Library Association MentorMatch program strives to link working library staff with students, new graduates and other library staff interested in a career in libraries and related fields.
Mentoring involves one person providing support and guidance to another, helping them manage their own learning and development. Mentoring is a relationship rather than a management activity, providing a safe and non-judgemental environment in which to learn.
Some other definitions you may find useful are as follows: The Coaching and Mentoring Network list of definitions.
The duration of the MentorMatch relationship is six months. The program is intentionally open-ended so that participants can design the mentorship according to their own needs and interests. In some cases mentoring partners may choose to extend their relationship beyond the conclusion of their six months with MentorMatch.
Applications for the Spring 2023 Session are open as of February 1st. Registration closes on February 21 2023. Matches will be confirmed by the last week of February. The new session will start in March 2023.
This session of Mentor Match will be a 4 month session.
APPLY TO BE A MENTOR
APPLY TO BE A MENTEE
Recording to the Introductory Webinar and MentorMatch Orientation.
Program Objectives:
- Provide guidance about professional development, education and training
- Assist with career development, exploration and advancement
- Provide mentees with opportunities to network and make professional connections
- Assist with job search strategies and provide resume/cv critiquing
- Support the introduction of new members into OLA and the profession
What is a mentor?
- A member of the Ontario Library Association to participate in the program
- An experienced (three or more years) library staff member who voluntarily offers advice and guidance
- Possesses significant experience in areas related to the library field
- Someone who is willing to share experience and advice to assist the mentee to achieve success
Why mentor?
Mentoring offers an opportunity for you to:
- Hone your personal leadership skills
- Enhance listening, role-modelling and questioning skills
- Share your professional knowledge, reflecting on your experience and skills
- Stimulate fresh perspectives in others and yourself
- Extend your professional networks
- Contribute and give back to the profession and to another generation
Role/Expectations of the Mentor:
- Decide on regularity, frequency, and method of contact e.g. face-to-face, phone, email, etc.
- Be a good listener and respect confidentiality
- Show a willingness to listen and communicate with the mentee
- Provide guidance, offer relevant advice and give feedback to the mentee when required
- Introduce the mentee to professional networks
- Help the mentee explore career development opportunities
- At times refer the mentee to others who might have specific knowledge they seek
The mentor is not responsible for:
- Finding the mentee a job
- Giving personal counseling
- Providing daily job advice
Qualifications for mentors – Mentors should:
- Have good interpersonal skills
- Be open-minded, understanding and patient
- Be trustworthy, supportive, advising and encouraging
- Recognise and help develop mentees’ strengths
- Recognise when mentees need guidance and when they need to be independent
What is a mentee?
- A member of the Ontario Library Association to participate in the program
- A person who would like professional advice and guidance from an experienced library mentor
- Someone entering or in the early stages of their career, or someone seeking to change direction within the profession
Role/Expectations of the Mentee
- With your mentor, decide on regularity, frequency and method of contact e.g. face-to-face, phone, email, etc.
- Discuss with the mentor the goals for the mentoring relationship (eg. review resume, interview tips)
- Respect the confidentiality and advice the mentor offers
- Be punctual and keep all appointments or communicate in advance in the event of a cancellation
- Be accountable and committed to this self-development opportunity
- Ask questions and actively seek feedback
Who can join?
- Anyone with an active OLA membership
- Mentors should have a minimum of three years experience
- Those with less than three years of experience will only be given the option to be a mentee
Apply to participate in MentorMatch
Mentors & Mentees sign up for MentorMatch Winter 2023 will begin February 1, 2023
APPLY TO BE A MENTOR
APPLY TO BE A MENTEE
Registration will close on February 21, 2023
Matches will be confirmed by the last week of February.
MentorMatch Winter 2023 will start in March 2023
For any questions about the program, please contact olamentoring@gmail.com
OLA mentoring 