Hello:

The Nova Scotia Library Association plans to launch the Library and Information
Technology Mentoring Program in the Fall of 2005.  An information session will
be held on March 1, 2005 for any Library Technicians in the workforce,
interested in the  program.  P
Please complete the attached information sheet and return to Marlene Mortimore
by February 15, 2005.

Nova Scotia Library Association
Library and Information Technology Mentoring Program

The Library and Information Technology Mentoring Program involves pairing
students with Library Technicians in the workforce.  The goal of the program is
to provide students with a chance to investigate different types of library
environments.

Through the application process, students are paired with professionals who
share similar library and leisure interests.  Every effort is made to ensure
students have a varied choice of libraries.  The program follows the academic
year, running from October to April.  The pairing will last one academic year,
with the option to renew.

The Nova Scotia Library Association will maintain a database of Library
Technicians and students who have applied to participate in the program.  Each
year a NSLA sponsored workshop/sharing session will be held for mentors.  The
session will provide mentors with suggestions for activities and topics to
cover as well as an opportunity to share experiences.

The mentoring program will begin with a reception to allow student and mentors
to meet in a friendly environment. The students and their mentor are then on
their own to decide on activities and level of commitment.  NSLA will sponsor
events throughout the academic year in various regions, depending on the
demand.  At the end of the academic year, NSLA will host a social event to
celebrate the end of the program.

The types of activities and topics of discussion can vary.  Here are a few
suggestions:

Time commitment:        - The pair should meet in person at least three
                          times during the academic year.

Topics:
                        - Job applications
                        - Interview tips
                        - Career guidance
                        - Issues related to Library Technicians
                        - Participation in associations


Activities:
                        - Tours of the workplace.
                        - Job shadowing
                        - Attend workplace meetings
                        - Attend library social events
                        - Attend workshops
                        - Introduce students to co-workers and
                          arrange for student to spend time shadowing
                          co-workers
                        - Attend association function

Format:
                        - Meet for coffee, dinner, etc.
                        - Email
                        - Telephone

Who can apply?

Mentors must be currently working in the library field.

Students must be enrolled in the Library and Information Technology Program.

When the program ends each year, both the student and the mentor will be asked
to complete evaluation forms.

How to apply:

        Library Technicians should complete the attached form and mail
        or email to:
                Marlene Mortimore
                20 Brookhouse Road
                Dartmouth, NS  B2W 1W6
                email: [log in to unmask]

        Students should complete the attached form and mail or email to:
                Marlene Mortimore
                20 Brookhouse Road
                Dartmouth, NS  B2W 1W6
                email: [log in to unmask]

For more information, please contact:

Marlene Mortimore
Mentoring Program Coordinator       [log in to unmask]

Erica Smith, Past President
Nova Scotia Library Association
[log in to unmask]




--
Erica Smith
Library Support Specialist

Library
Tantallon Junior High School
3 French Village Station Rd.
Upper Tantallon, NS  B3Z 1E3
826-1210  Ext.225