FAQ

The Illinois Cataloging Mentorship Program (iCAMP) is a mentorship program for current or aspiring cataloging staff in Illinois. iCAMP aims to promote professional development, enhance cataloging skills, and foster networking through structured, respectful, and collaborative mentor-mentee interactions. 

Mentors and mentees meet once a month in either one-on-one or group meetings. Participants make a one year commitment to meet with their matches. The program accepts applications annually in the summer with a new cohort starting each fall. 

To become a mentor or mentee, please fill out an application. We run iCAMP in cohorts. There is an annual deadline for applications and an annual match. iCAMP accepts applications in the summer with a new cohort starting each fall. For the current application cycle deadlines, see the About page.

iCAMP is maintained by a group of volunteers who manage the application and match process, create and provide support materials, manage the website, and evaluate the program. The iCAMP committee includes long-time catalogers as well as those new to the field, working in a variety of information professions.

Get in touch through the contact form. The commitment is for one year. 

Questions about iCAMP can be sent in through our contact form. 

We ask that mentors and mentees commit to a nine-month period and meet monthly with their matches. 

The answers on the iCAMP application assist in matching mentors and mentees. Areas of matching include specific cataloging skills, specific subjects of interest, geographic location, and type of library. Applicants can choose to rank which aspects are most important to them when being matched.

All experience levels are welcome to apply as a mentee. You do not need to have experience with cataloging in order to apply. 

We suggest a minimum of five years cataloging experience before applying as a mentor. No degree or specific level of leadership is required. 

This program is intended to be a professional development opportunity but is not a substitute for full training. Mentors are volunteers and will not have the ability to provide extensive training.

Yes, the iCAMP committee will run an orientation and provide resources for participants. Resources will be available on our website and through monthly newsletters sent to participants. 

Participation is limited to: 1. individuals who are employed within Illinois libraries, archives, or other library-adjacent employers such as vendors, or 2. students who live in Illinois. 

Once you submit your application, you'll receive an email confirming its receipt. In late August, we'll send you an email with details about your match for your review. If you're not satisfied with the match, feel free to reach out to the iCAMP committee. Additionally, the iCAMP Mentorship Committee will invite all participants to a virtual onboarding session in September to familiarize themselves with the program and understand its expectations.