At WiLS, we are enthusiastic participants in the library ecosystem, including as mentors to new professionals and as mentees who have so much to learn from our community. Here, WiLSians Jen Chamberlain, Sara Gold, and Rebecca Rosensteil share their experiences:
I had high hopes of starting this reflection with an apropos quote, and what jumped to mind was a misquoted line from Star Wars. Like mistaken song lyrics, misattributed quotes are often better than the real thing. In my version of the movie, someone, maybe Yoda?, says the apprentice has become the master. But after looking it up, I see I’ve got it all wrong, and I’ve definitely brought shame on my houseful of Star Wars fans.
Pop culture failures aside, the sentiment holds true: my experience serving as a mentor to two librarians through the Wisconsin Library Association’s mentor program has been as much of a growth experience for me as I think it was for them. I see myself less as a master and more as a continual student. So much to learn, I have.
It’s such an honor to be invited into someone’s professional journey, to ask critical questions and watch them navigate a challenge. Observing their growth invites me to reflect on and refine my own style right alongside them. I’m grateful for the opportunity!
In 2023, I joined the WLA Mentor Program serving as a mentor, motivated by the importance that mentors have served in my life both personally and professionally. I was matched with Rosemary Froeliger, a librarian with Moraine Park Technical College. Rosemary and I met monthly, both in-person and virtually. This mix allowed us flexibility but also allowed me opportunities to see Rosemary in her work environment, which was particularly meaningful as her library was undergoing renovations at the time. The WLA Mentor Program provides resources, including orientation materials to templates for goal setting and discussions. The program also provides a good deal of flexibility, which we appreciated as Rosemary had some specific projects she was looking for feedback on.
Rosemary and I mutually agreed to continue to meet occasionally after our year concluded. We share several similar interests both personally and professionally, and I am delighted to consider her both a colleague and friend. It has been an honor to watch Rosemary develop in her career and I really value the appreciation I feel working with someone early on their journey. If you are looking for a way to get involved with WLA, I encourage you to consider the Mentor Program! Calls for applications begin in fall, and new cohorts begin in January.
I was a part of the WLA mentorship program for two years, first as a mentee, then as a mentor the following year.
I was very intrigued when I first learned about the WLA mentorship program, but imposter syndrome struck and I wasn’t sure if I would be a better fit as a mentee or as a mentor. Deciding to learn more about the program firsthand, I chose to begin as a mentee.
Working with my mentor was a wonderful, eye-opening experience. At the start of the program, mentees were encouraged to set goals, and my top goal was simple: I wanted to learn how to be a mentor. And let me tell you, my mentor delivered! I was partnered with a librarian who was adept in project management, and they were able to pivot the experience from one where they were leading our monthly check-ins and discussions to one where I took the lead instead, gradually flipping the script (literally!).
Fast forward to year two, where I was paired with an MLIS student, just months away from their graduation. They were getting ready to enter the field, unsure where to begin in the job hunt. As it goes, the experience became a learning opportunity for both of us. I was able to share advice I had gathered over the years from job searching and serving on hiring committees, and in turn, gain insight into how the field, especially hiring practices, has evolved. Throughout the year, my mentee applied for numerous positions, navigated several interviews, and even turned down job offers before ultimately finding a role in the library setting she had hoped for with an organization that meant a lot to her. The joy and pride I felt watching her move through the process and succeed was immense, and I still feel grateful to have been able to witness her growth as she started her career in librarianship.
