FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q: What is the purpose of the PaLA mentoring program?
A: Mentoring produces many benefits not only for the mentee, but also for the mentor! Mentoring provides new librarians with a more experienced colleague to whom they can freely ask questions and advice. Mentors will not only learn from their mentees as well but be able to reflect on their own practices. Mentoring also provides a way to expand your professional network for both the mentor and the mentee.
Q: Who can participate in the mentoring program?
A: Any current personal member of the Pennsylvania Library Association.
Q: What is the time commitment for a mentoring relationship?
A: The time commitment will be for nine months though mentors and mentees can choose to continue communication beyond that time period. During the length of the mentorship program, it is recommended that you connect at least once a month, or more if preferred by both parties.
Q: What if I don’t get along with my mentor/mentee? Can I quit?
A: We ask that you try to make the mentoring relationship work. If for some reason the relationship is not salvageable, you may contact the mentorship program leadership at palamentorship@gmail.com
Q: What if I can no longer keep up with the commitment to be a mentor/mentee?
A: Please do your best to keep your commitment. If you can no longer maintain a mentoring relationship, let both your mentor/mentee know as well as the mentorship program leadership.
Q: What if I have questions about the program?
A: You may contact the mentorship program leadership at palamentorship@gmail.com
Q: How are mentors and mentees matched?
A: Mentees review short biographies of potential mentors, then select several who they feel would be a potential match. Mentors are then given short bio information for their potential mentee and must agree to the match.
Q: Is there a fee for participating in the mentor program?
A: No, the program is considered a member benefit and is free to all Pennsylvania Library Association members.
Q: How do I get in touch with my mentor/mentee?
A: The mentorship program leadership will put you in contact with your mentor/mentee in early January. You may then discuss communication mode and interval preferences with your mentor/mentee.
Q: Am I agreeing to any other commitments by participating in the pilot mentoring program?
A: You will be expected to participate in a survey at the midpoint and the end of the program about your mentoring experience.
Q: Who is responsible for managing the mentoring program?
A: The mentoring program is managed as a PaLA Membership Committee Subcommittee including two past PALS graduates who launched the pilot in 2017. You may reach the mentorship program leadership at palamentorship@gmail.com
Last updated: October 5, 2021
Download the FAQs as a PDF: https://tinyurl.com/pala-mentorship-faq2022