Are you interested in developing 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 will provide mentoring and coaching support.
What’s Involved?
Mentors will serve as role models in academic librarianship and provide career guidance, as well as help mentees find opportunities for involvement and leadership in the profession. They must be academic librarians, have professional experience (a minimum of ten years preferred), and be active in ACRL. Mentors must make a commitment for a minimum of one year and up to maximum of three years.
Mentors will receive Web-based training from ACRL to assist them in building a successful mentoring relationship. Mentor responsibilities include:
- Contacting the mentee monthly or on a regular basis.
- Spending time with the Spectrum Scholar at library conferences where both are in attendance.
- Submitting brief status reports and an annual report (one page form).
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, please complete the application before May 17, 2013.
What Happens Next?
The ACRL Dr. E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor Committee expects to be matching new pairs of mentors and Spectrum Scholars by early June, and both parties will be informed of the match soon thereafter. If we are unable to match you with a Scholar immediately, you will be notified and your paperwork will be kept on file.
Please apply today to be an ACRL Spectrum Scholar Mentor! The profession needs you.
If you have additional questions about the ACRL Dr. E. J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Mentor Program please contact Committee Chair Jade Alburo at jalburo@library.ucla.edu or ACRL staff member David Connolly at dconnolly@ala.org.