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Purpose

The University of Texas Libraries and the School of Information Mentor Program is a formal and collaborative relationship between two departments of the University of Texas at Austin. The Mentor Program provides individual students with the opportunity to learn more about librarianship and careers for information professionals through one-on-one relationships with librarians on the Libraries staff. Mentors and students share expertise, insights, and networks. Participants are not limited to students on an academic library career path; those interested in other information specialties and career paths are also encouraged to apply.

How it works

During the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, a notice will be published via "the Insider," the student discussion email list. This notice will contain:

• the application deadline
• links to the application forms (also listed below)
• date students will be notified of matches
• date and location of the Mentor Program orientation

Volunteer mentors from the Libraries are matched with interested and eligible School of Information students. The Mentor Program Steering Committee attempts to match each student with a mentor working in the student's areas of interest. The mentor and student spend a minimum of six hours together during the semester. Activities may include introducing the student to specific library operations, discussing professional and career issues during lunch or coffee, job shadowing or joining the librarian in appropriate committee, departmental and other meetings. Group activities may include orientations to work units or areas of work responsibilities (e.g., collection development, library instruction, reference services, technical services, digital library services), "behind the scenes" tours of libraries, and coaching and advice on recruitment and job searching.

Timeframe

The program begins with an orientation luncheon meeting for all mentors and students, requires a minimum one-semester commitment, and officially ends the last class day of the semester. Each student and mentor complete a log of activities and program evaluation. Matches may be extended informally by mutual consent of the student and the mentor.

Selection Process

Each semester eight to ten students are matched with mentors by the Steering Committee.
Steering Committee composition:

• University of Texas Libraries: Special Programs Officer, School of Information bibliographer, and a participating mentor
• School of Information: Director of Career Services

Why You Should Be Interested

The Mentor Program provides an opportunity for students to explore issues and challenges of the profession with practicing librarians and to discover how librarians solve these challenges in a working environment. This "insider's view" can be a valuable experience in library and information science education. Mentor librarians and students benefit by expanding contacts within the growing information community.

Initial Criteria

Students: completion of one semester of graduate INF coursework

Evaluation and Log of Activities

Both mentors and students maintain activity logs during the semester and complete brief evaluations at the end of the program. Evaluation comments and activity logs are considered by the Steering Committee in refining and developing the program.

Information and Application Forms

If you have questions about the program, or you want to pick up a paper copy of the application, contact:

Ronald D. Pollock
Director of Career Services
School of Information
SZB 561
rpollock@ischool.utexas.edu
(512) 471-2623

UT Libraries Mentor Program Forms

Student Application - Word | pdf
Student Mentoring Log - Word | pdf
Student Evaluation Form - Word| pdf