This just in from The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC):
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
announced the beginning of a new mentoring program this fall. The program,
which is
open to members and non-members, is intended to help build a new
collection of leaders in the field of library service to children.
Applications are now open for both mentors and mentees. Registration ends on Friday, August
30, 2013.
The program lasts one year. Mentee applicants do not need to
be ALSC or ALA members. The only requirement is that mentees have some
connection to children’s library service. Mentees may be students, early career
professionals, individuals returning to the profession, or those who would like
to refine their skills, make connections, and learn more about children’s
librarianship as a career. Mentor applicants must be ALSC members and should
have experience working in the field of children’s librarianship or children’s
literature.
Mentors and mentees who apply to the program will be matched
by members of the ALSC Membership and Managing Children’s Services Committees.
The mentoring program was developed through the hard work of these two
committees. ALSC cannot guarantee that every applicant will be matched.
“Working on this program has been a fun challenge,” said
Managing Children’s Services Committee chair Ann Schwab, “I believe that the
openness and the flexibility are strengths of this program. We know that
librarians are busy people, but we feel that the program offers participants the
chance to develop in a relaxed yet professional setting.”
The program was developed based on the recommendations of
the 2012 ALSC Emerging Leader Project Team. It is a one-year program with
two application periods (one in summer, one in winter). The program received
the support of the ALSC Board of Directors at the 2013 ALA Annual Conference.
Labels: ALSC, continuing education, mentorships, relationships