(via Gwen Gregory, IACRL President)
Are you interested in directly contributing to the development of the next generation of academic librarians and ensuring a diverse workforce? Then consider mentoring an ALA Spectrum Scholar through the ACRL Dr. E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor Program! The program links participating library school students and new librarians who are of American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander descent, with established academic librarians who provide mentoring and professional guidance.
What�s Involved?
As a mentor, you will serve as a role model and provide career guidance, as well as help mentees find opportunities for involvement and leadership in the profession. You must be an academic librarian, have multiple years of professional experience (a minimum of ten years preferred), and be an active member of ACRL. The mentoring program requires a commitment of at least one year and up to maximum of three years.
You will receive Web-based training from ACRL to assist you in building a successful mentoring relationship. Mentor responsibilities include:
Contacting the Spectrum Scholar on a regular basis (monthly is ideal).
Spending time with the Spectrum Scholar at library conferences when you are both are in attendance.
Completing two brief assessment surveys during the first year of your mentorship.
How Do You Apply?
If you are interested in becoming a mentor for a Spectrum Scholar through the ACRL Dr. E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor program, just complete the application.
What Happens Next?
The ACRL Dr. E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor Committee matches new pairs of mentors and Spectrum Scholars throughout the year, with most of the matches made in the spring. If we are unable to match you with a Scholar immediately, your application will be kept on file and you’ll be contacted periodically to confirm your ongoing interest in participating.
While applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, the committee will be matching a new cohort of mentors and mentees beginning in April, so please apply today to be an ACRL Spectrum Scholar Mentor. The profession benefits when you share your experience!
If you have questions about the ACRL Dr. E. J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor Program, please contact Committee Chair Ebony Magnus, at ebonymagnus@gmail.com, or ACRL staff member David Connolly, at dconnolly@ala.org. For additional background on the program, click here.