This document discusses the development and implementation of a conference mentoring program for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). It was inspired by a similar program at the American Library Association. The author conducted the program as a pilot at the 2010 ALIA Information Online conference, pairing experienced attendees as mentors with first-time attendees as mentees. Based on surveys, the program was well-received and helped mentees feel more comfortable at the large conference. The author provides recommendations to improve future iterations of the program.
I wanna hold your hand: Conference mentoring in the Australian LIS sector
1. I want to hold your hand: Conference mentoring in the Australian library and information sector Naomi Doessel Information Literacy Librarian Information Services (Learning & Teaching) Griffith University
2. Yesterday ALIA New Generation Advisory Committee (NGAC) Review of New Librarian’s Symposium in 2008 Gaps: support for transitioning new graduates mentoring program Chair of NGAC, budding researcher attended ALIA Information Online in 2009 interested in professional development for new graduates and mentoring
3. From me to you Alyson Dalby attended ALA Annual in 2008 Presentation on New Librarian’s Symposium ALA New Member’s Roundtable (NMRT) “Conference Mentoring” program a program designed to help first time attendees ... feel at ease at a conference (whose size can often be overwhelming and intimidating!) by pairing them with seasoned conference attendees Potential support mechanism for new graduates in the transitional stage of professional maturation
4. Paperback writer Inspired to research as a practitioner Bang for your buck: getting the best experience and value for money from your library association investment NLS4 presentation by Katy Watson Not in jobs that offered research opportunities Professional focus on ALIA ALIA Study Grant Award 2010 Conference mentoring: Assisting new professionals to get the most out of ALIA conferences
5. Magical mystery tour ALIA Study Grant Award Proposal: at a major ALIA conference: Information Online short term pairing – conference lead up & duration surveys pre- & post-conference, 1 year follow-up creation of program guidelines evaluation of relevance for Australian context provide a model for future conferences I didn’t know what I didn’t know
6. Across the universe Evidence of mentoring in the Australian LIS sector ALIA QLD & QUT Curtin group mentoring ALIA groups – formal, informal, peer IFLA research partnership Conference mentoring as a concept Creating facilitated mentoring programs workplace, schools & universities associations: sporting, youth, etc.
7. Help! What’s my methodology? How do I do data analysis? What have I gotten myself into] Making the most of your staff: A practical guide to mentoring Dr Gillian Hallam, QUT, 1 November 2010 Research mentor, friend & guide QUT staff & ALIA Research Committee Personal Learning Network on Twitter Supportive & encouraging workplaces (UQ & Griffith)
8. I’m talking about you Definitions Mentor Assumptions what mentors know what mentees want to know qualitative research regarding conference attendance & mentoring experience, expectations and outcomes P Protege Protege Mentee Mentoree Mentoree
9. I want to hold your hand Online qualitative interviews of LIS professionals Experienced conference attendees & potential mentors (156) Inexperienced conference attendees & potential mentees (64) international & local Guidelines for conference mentoring Paper at NLS5 From the sandpit to the deep end: Surviving large plenary conferences
10. With a little help from my friends ALIA Information Online Group extremely supportive web hosting, registration support First timer’s breakfast – integration of participants
11. I saw her standing there Based on ALA NMRT model lack of literature on conference mentoring information on career mentoring program Local context different sectors potential for group mentoring mentor & mentee roles based on attendance at Information Online, not large conferences in general weakness – made exceptions
12. Please Mr. Postman Registration separate to conference registration contact & employment details session attendance Additional information sector experience & interest anything else...
13. Come together Matching criteria sector session attendance professional experience job title free text responses magic
17. Octopus’s garden 54 participants mentees from 31 down to 28 mentors from 28 down to 26 Matches 24 pairs 3 groups of 3
18. All together now First timer’s breakfast opportunity for matches to meet served a larger purpose – additional networking anecdotal & qualitative evidence indicates popular Encourages connections and networking breaks tweetups stitch’n’bitch
19. That’ll be the day Mismatches lack of specific information in registration secret weapon Facilitator provide a point of contact troubleshoot, liaise
20. She came in through the bathroom window Day Trippers change in registration to allow for no session attendance Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band self-selection of mentor/mentee Let it be independence of participants at conference no need for volunteers to assist Eight days a week huge investment in time & energy
21. Ob-la-di ob-la-da Pre-survey didn’t ask if you were mentor or mentee rectified in post-survey and will match pre & post Pre and post surveys were more aligned to mentees asked too many questions recommend separate sections of future surveys
22. The long and winding road 56 responses to pre-survey 1 duplicate, 1 empty 4 with no match in post-conference 57 responses to post-survey 2 duplicates, 2 empty 3 with no match in pre-conference 49 valid responses (54 participants) watch this space...
23. Here comes the sun Expectations vs. Experience stayed the same or were exceeded encouraging qualitative responses Comprehensive guidelines Model for future use
24. Revolution Registration combined with conference registration Collect more matching data - e.g professional interests, not just session attendance, require qualitative information (description helps!) Mentors – experienced conference attendees, not necessarily experienced with specific conference Mentees – open to all, as established professionals & international guests benefited
25. Hello, Goodbye Longer lead time for matches Incorporate a networking event Potentially more groups, peer support Identification “I’m a mentor” Pay the facilitator Money (That's What I Want)
