Pay it Forward: Mentoring Temporary & Part-time Employees Robin Ewing Lisa Forslund Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference Mankato, MN October 26, 2007

Robin Ewing Access Services Coordinator, Assistant Professor St. Cloud State University Lisa Forslund Reference Librarian, Fixed Term St. Cloud State University

Today’s Agenda What is mentoring? Why do academic libraries have part-time or temporary workers Who takes these positions? What are the different kinds of mentoring? What are the benefits of mentoring to the library and the mentee? What about the employee’s perspective?

Mentoring “…an experienced person who provides guidance and support to the developing novice.”

Why academic libraries have part-time or temporary workers Extended medical leave Sabbatical leave Academic searches take time Special projects Temporary reassignments Budget crunch Specialized skills

Who takes/wants these positions? Flexibility of hours, time commitment Full time elsewhere seeking additional income Experience and new skills Seeking opportunities

Kinds of Mentoring Formal mentoring Informal or passive mentoring

Formal Mentoring Program with specific responsibilities, scheduled meetings, goals and evaluations Unrealistic for part time or temporary workers

Informal Mentoring Good communication channels Orientation checklists Professional behavior Special projects

Informal Mentoring cont. Training and development opportunities No “busy” work Provide employees with professional resources Social events

Benefits of Mentoring to the Mentee Career development Introduction to the field Skills and experience Networking opportunities Go from “unknown” to “known”

Benefits of Mentoring to the Library Recruitment Reenergizes mentors Increased opportunity for collaboration Retention

My experience as a temporary and/or part time employee Macalester College - Internship University of Minnesota – Wilson Library - Practicum Great River Regional Library – Buffalo branch University of St. Thomas – O’Shaunessy-Frey Library St. Cloud State University

Conclusion What is mentoring? Why do academic libraries have part-time or temporary workers Who takes these positions? What are the different kinds of mentoring? What are the benefits of mentoring to the library and the mentee? What about the employee’s perspective?

Questions?

Robin Ewing Access Services Coordinator, Assistant Professor St. Cloud State University Lisa Forslund Reference Librarian, Fixed Term St. Cloud State University