Leadership, Management and Organizational Development

Panel

Mentoring the Next Generation of Librarians of Color

Panel Organizer(s)

• SM

  Susan Martinez, MLIS

  Senior Librarian
  Oakland Public Library

Panel Presenter(s)

• MA

  Mahasin Aleem, MLIS

  Children's Librarian
  Oakland Public Library
• PT

  Pat Toney

  Branch Manager
  Oakland Public Library

Three public librarians share and reflect on their experiences with formal and informal mentorship at the Oakland Public Library (OPL). In 2016 the Oakland Public Library developed a formal mentoring program for its employees. Since its inception, the program has matched paraprofessionals with librarians to advise them on navigating a LIS career. Through the program, OPL has provided workshops on financing an MLIS and on navigating the mentor-mentee relationship. Additionally, staff members of color have formed connections amongst themselves for offering professional guidance and support. Anyone interested in establishing a formal mentorship program at their library and learning more how they can support up-and-coming librarians in their organizations should attend.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion, participant will be able to identify the characteristics of successful mentoring relationships, both formal and informal.
• Upon completion, participant will be able to identify at least three strategies that they can employ in their organization(s) to better mentor librarians of color.
• Upon completion, participant will be able to summarize current scholarly research that supports mentorship for librarians of color.