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Mentor Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Is a mentor the same as my SIRLS advisor?
No. Your SIRLS advisor is a faculty member assigned to you upon your admission to the program. The purpose of your faculty advisor is to help you in making scheduling decisions and to advise you on internships, independent studies, or any other classes at SIRLS. A mentor is a professional in your field of interest who can guide you in creating a career plan, can answer questions regarding your resume, introduce you to professional colleagues, or suggest coursework, workshop, or annual meeting programs that would be beneficial to the field of work you are interested in pursuing.

Does my mentor need to live in the same city as I do?
Not necessarily! It is up to you. If you prefer a mentor with whom you can meet with on a regular basis, then seek a mentor in your geographic region. But mentoring can happen just as effectively via email.

Are there strict rules guiding a mentor/mentee relationship?
No. It is the responsibility of you and your mentor to decide on any rules or the structure at the beginning so you both have a clear understanding of expectations. Also, there is no specific time limit. While it would probably be most beneficial if you plan to be in contact for at least a year, it is again dependent on your wishes to continue the relationship.

I’m a distant student. How do I find a mentor?
First decide whether you want a mentor in your geographic area or whether you are okay with a mentor relationship via email. For tips on finding a mentor in your geographic area, see Tips for Finding a Mentor in Your Geographic Region. If an email relationship works for you, there are several options for finding a mentor, which are outlined on the Mentoring home page. Also, many professional organizations that have mentoring programs make an effort to place you with someone in your area if you express that desire.

Isn’t it better to have a mentor in my geographic area?
Not necessarily. Many people find that an email relationship is an effective way to communicate. Given time constraints and busy schedules, email is an efficient mode of soliciting advice, sharing a resume, or asking a quick question about professional development, for example. Many professional organizations that have mentoring programs make an effort to place you with someone in your geographic region if you express that desire.

I’m not sure what area of library and information science I plan to pursue yet. Can I have a mentor too?
Of course! Mentoring is not only for those certain about their career goals. Mentoring can be a wonderful way to help you decide which direction to go. For instance, rather than seeking a mentor with a specific professional organization (such as the Medical Library Association or the Society of American Archivists), look for a mentor in the SIRLS Alumni Mentor Database. Many alumni mentor in certain aspects of librarianship rather than a certain type of librarianship. Alumni are a great resource because they’ve been through the exact program you are going through and can offer SIRLS-specific advise. Also, the ALA New Members Roundtable Mentoring Program is designed specifically for newcomers and library students who may not yet know their way around the profession.

What types of questions can I ask my mentor?
Always remember to keep communication with your mentor at a professional level, monitor your correspondence, and to always express gratitude for their advice. Examples of the types of questions appropriate for a mentor are:
Questions about your resume
Questions about continuing education opportunities
Questions about professional activities
Questions about their professional background
Questions about what types of courses were beneficial to their career
Questions about conferences and workshops

Is mentoring a free service?
Most professional organizations offer a mentoring service to members only. Fortunately, as a student, you can join most professional organizations at a greatly reduced rate. The SIRLS Alumni Mentors are available to SIRLS students free of charge.

Is mentoring a required program?
No. It is purely on a voluntary basis.