GUIDELINES for MENTORS & MENTEES

How MentorLIB Mentors' Directory Works?

The purpose of the Mentors' Directory is to provide a list of library professionals and paraprofessionals who are willing to be a mentor to anyone who is seeking help in their professional development and/or to develop a network of colleagues. Anyone in the New Jersey Library Community can be a mentor, and anyone can contact the mentors listed in the directory. Please note that this directory does not create matches nor does it maintain mentoring relationships.

• This list shows a summary version of "About Me" for each mentor. Please click the mentor's name or the 'Read more' text link to read the full "About Me".
• If you find a mentor who you think is a good match for you, please contact them by using "Contact person by email" link (Online Contact Form) below their name.
• Please share your experience with your mentor(s) with us, by using the MentorNJ Feedback Form.

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Mentors

• Mentors should be based in New Jersey and have a user account on the LibraryLinkNJ website.
• Any librarian or paraprofessional in New Jersey who is interested is welcome to be a mentor.
• There is no minimum or maximum number of years of experience one must have to be part of the MentorNJ network. 
• Mentors can add their information to the directory by filling out the Mentor Directory Form (log-in required). Mentors will be asked to provide name, library organization, bio (self-introduction), areas of expertise, email address, and phone number.
  • Contact information is used only for administrative purposes and will not be shared on the public directory.
  • We encourage mentors to upload a photo. 
• Mentees can only contact mentors via an online contact form, and mentors will receive the mentee’s information (name, contact info, and their needs) via email. Mentors will respond to the mentee directly. We request that mentors respond in a timely manner even if they are unable to help, so that the mentee can contact other mentors.
• We ask that positive mentoring experiences be shared by using the MentorNJ Feedback Form.
• We ask mentors for a minimum commitment of one year. Mentors can continue in the program for as long as they like.
• Mentors are able to take their names off the directory temporarily or permanently, if their availability changes. Please see the instructions for "How to Update Your Mentor Information" below.  

How to Update Mentor Information:

• Please log into your user account and click on your name in the directory.
• Click the “Edit” tab at the top of your information page.
• Update information:
  • If you want to take your name off the directory temporarily, check the radio button for "Temporarily Inactive" under the "Mentor Status" field.  Your information will be removed the Mentors' Directory after you click the "Save" button.
  • When you can take on a mentee again, please go to the Inactive Mentors' List --- you have to log into your user account to view this list, as it is not visible to the public.  Check the "Currently Active" radio button under the "Mentor Status" field. Your information will be listed on the Mentors' Directory again after you click the "Save" button.
• Please be sure you click the “Save” button at the bottom after you are done updating your information.
• If you want to remove your name from the directory permanently, please click the "Delete" button at the bottom.

Mentees

• Mentees can be from any location.
• Students, librarians, and paraprofessionals new to the profession or to the state who are looking for information about the New Jersey library communities and/or seek a mentor for their professional development can be mentees.
• Librarians and paraprofessionals who are taking over new job responsibilities and need a mentor to assist them are welcome.
• Those interested in pursuing a library career in the state of New Jersey, or who want to learn more about New Jersey libraries are also welcome. 
• Interested parties can browse the directory and contact any mentor(s) that may be a good match based on interests and professional goals.
• Use the contact form link to reach out to a mentor.
• The mentor you contact will respond in a timely manner.
• We ask that positive mentoring experiences be shared by using the MentorNJ Feedback Form.
• The MentorNJ Directory is not a job search program. Please refer to NJ library resources for employment listings.

Any questions?  Please contact our Task Force Chair, Darby Malvey: darby@librarylinknj.org

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