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THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACTIVE

Peer Mentorship Program

The Peer Mentorship program is designed to help MLIS incoming students make a smooth transition to the School of Library, Archival, and Information Studies (SLAIS), the University of British Columbia, and the city of Vancouver. Incoming students who wish to participate in the program will be paired with a continuing student based on the availability of volunteers. The peer mentorship program offers a unique opportunity for incoming students to learn more about student life at SLAIS and for all participants to make a valuable social contact in both their personal and professional lives.

This program is run by the BCLA/CLA Student Chapter, and was started for the incoming class of Fall 2005.

To learn more about the program or to sign up for your peer mentor, please contact us at slaismentorship@gmail.com

Professional Mentorship Program

Are you a SLAIS student looking for...

  • advice and guidance about library and information careers from someone in the field?
  • begin networking outside of the SLAIS environment?

Are you a Librarian or Information Professional who would like to...

  • provide support and coaching for an interested and enthusiastic student?
  • have the opportunity to contribute to the education of a future professional?

About the Program

The SLAIS Mentorship Program matches students with a career professional who can offer support and guidance while they are completing their studies. Our goals are to provide the best possible matches and to foster mutually satisfying relationships between professionals and students.

Good Mentors have the following qualities:

  • Commitment to mentee
  • Strong communication skills
  • Experience in the areas of interest to the mentee
  • Ability to offer support and encouragement
  • Professionalism and enthusiasm

Good Mentees have the following qualities:

  • Ability to communicate their needs and expectations
  • Willingness to listen to feedback and advice
  • Commitment to the program
  • Respect for their mentor's time limitations

Mentoring Relationship Guidelines

Based on a survey of participants in the SLAIS BCLA/CLA Mentorship Program in April 2003, the following guidelines have been suggested:

  1. All students who take part in the Mentorship Program should consider returning as a Mentor once established in a professional career.
  2. Students should contact their Mentor at least twice a term, and Mentors should respond within two weeks.
  3. Should either party have any concern about the mentoring relationship, the administrators are available for advice.
  4. The following suggestions have proven successful in a mentor relationship:
    • Communication through phone calls, emails, or lunch/coffee meetings.
    • Job shadowing, library tours, and attending a conference together.
    • Portfolio/resume review (including SLAIS course recommendations), and job search strategies.
    • Discussion of relevant professional literature and current events/issues.
    • Introducing the mentee to other professionals/associations that reflect desired career goals.
  5. Upon graduation from SLAIS, mentors and mentees should review the mentoring relationship and future opportunities for contact: if both parties are willing, carry on!