I am one of the co-chairs of the mentorship committee. The BCLA mentorship program matches mentees who are students or who are just starting out in the field, with more experienced library professionals. Library technicians as well, as librarians have participated in our sessions, which run about twice a year and are roughly two months in duration. The program “exists to connect and empower association members by fostering positive relationships in the library community.” It “encourages sharing, and aims to promote leadership and commitment to the profession.” More information can be found on the Mentorship Program’s web page at BCLA Connect. We will have a session in the fall, with dates yet to be determined, though applications will be opening soon.
This past session we had a challenge finding enough library technicians to participate as mentors, given the number of lib tech/student mentees we had had. As the committee co-chair who is a library tech, I would like to encourage more lib tech mentors to participate in the sessions generally. If you are a potential mentee, your participation is also more than welcome. I would love to see this program continue to grow.
What I would ultimately love to see (with the understanding that people also have their own lives outside of work), is the creation of a culture of giving back and seeking help within the larger context of greater association-mindedness in the library tech community.
I am also hoping to have at least a couple of more volunteers join myself and one other tech on the committee.
If you would like an very rewarding learning and teaching experience, and are available to at least exchange a few thoughtful emails with a mentee over a two month period, please consider BCLA Mentorship as an opportunity. If you are interested, please keep an eye out for an announcement of the fall session that will be shared on the LTAS listserv.
I am on the BCLA mentorship committee. The BCLA mentorship program matches mentees who are students or who are just starting out in the field, with more experienced library professionals. Library technicians as well, as librarians have participated in our sessions, which run about twice a year and are roughly two months in duration. The program “exists to connect and empower association members by fostering positive relationships in the library community. ” It “encourages sharing, and aims to promote leadership and commitment to the profession.” More information can be found on the Mentorship Program’s web page at BCLA Connect. We will have a session in the fall, with dates yet to be determined.
Here is the reason I am writing. The last few sessions, we’ve had a challenge finding enough library technicians to participate as mentors, given the number of lib tech/student mentees we have had. As the sole library technician on the BCLA Mentorship Committee (who actually wouldn’t mind some company), I would like to encourage more lib tech mentors to participate in the sessions generally. If you would like an very rewarding learning and teaching experience, and are available to at least exchange a few thoughtful emails with a mentee over a two month period, please consider BCLA Mentorship as an opportunity. If you are interested, please keep an eye out for an announcement of the fall session that will be shared on the LTAS listserv.
Over the course of three days spanning the end of May and beginning on June, UBC hosted WILU – the Workshop for Instruction in Library Use – with a theme of “Intersections”. I attended the full conference including a pre-conference session, and presented during the lightning talks about library technicians facilitating instruction.
Continue reading “Reflections on the Workshop for Instruction in Library Use conference”
This post was written by Norm Barry, a second year library technician student studying at Langara College about a practicum placement outside of the library field.
An opportunity arose through the Library Tech Practicum program for me to work part-time at a Non-Traditional Library to complete a further 70 hours of practicum time in the Spring Semester of 2016, March through May.
The practicum was to be done with the Westbank (West Kelowna) Museum and Archives.
Continue reading “The Non-Traditional Library Practicum Experience”
Hi, you might recognize me from such emails as weekly BC Jobs updates on the LTAS listserv. After jobhunting as a new graduate, then as an experienced Library Technician in a new city, I’ve learned a few things that might be helpful for others. Continue reading “Jobhunting Tips”
On April 19, the second annual speed mentoring workshop involving Library and Information Technology students and graduates was held at Langara College. The event was organized and sponsored by the Langara Library and Information Technology department.
The event this year included ten mentors who had the opportunity to share their post-graduate experiences with ten Langara students. In addition, eleven mentees eager for some guidance as they enter the field attended the event. It was an absolute pleasure for me to serve as the MC this year.
Ten tables were set up. Due to smaller numbers than last year, three minutes were allotted for each session. There would be roughly one mentor to one student at each table. When the bell rang to indicate the end of the session, each student would move on to another table of their choosing.
Mentors came from public, academic, and special libraries. They perform a variety of tasks in their work. Students asked questions of the mentors pertaining to their work, their job search leading up to employment, and how their Langara education prepared them to enter the field.
Students once again have provided positive feedback about their experience at the workshop. Though LTAS provided some of the mentors and the MC, once again a huge thank you is due to Diane Thompson and Serenia Tam of the Langara Library and Information Technology department for heading up the organizing of this event. Thank you as well to all the mentors and mentees who participated. See you next year!
In the months leading up to the annual BC Library Conference (May 2016) the member spotlight will showcase several library technicians/assistants who are presenting in a panel looking at the current state of the profession and its future.
In the months leading up to the annual BC Library Conference (May 2016) the member spotlight will showcase several library technicians/assistants who are presenting in a panel looking at the current state of the profession and its future.
BC LTAS 