Minerva Cataloging Mentoring Program
Cataloging within a consortium requires knowledge both of general cataloging standards and of local practices. The technical nature of cataloging can make it difficult for libraries to fully support new catalogers. Many Minerva libraries have only one cataloger and in those cases a newly hired cataloger rarely has access to in-house guidance.
Through Roundtable meetings, training sessions and documentation, Minerva has established a variety of methods for catalogers to access instruction and aid, but we believe a mentoring program can provide additional support.
The Minerva mentoring program will provide a formal, structured environment in which a new and an experienced cataloger are paired up. Over a six-month period the pair will communicate on a regular basis to ask and answer cataloging questions, share resources, and mutually reinforce cataloging standards.
We believe both mentees and mentors will benefit from participation in such a program. Mentees will have easy access to local, experienced catalogers, and mentors will have the opportunity to deepen and reinforce their own cataloging knowledge. Ideally, this program will also result in the development of on-going professional relationships amongst local catalogers.
**This program is not intended as and will not adequately replace a professional training program. It is meant as a support system to assist newer catalogers in interpreting and applying local standards and to foster collegial relationships among Minerva catalogers. Mentors are not expected to serve as trainers.**
In addition to a formal, one-on-one mentoring program, we also hope to establish a database of local ‘experts’ on various cataloging topics. If a cataloger has a specific question, they will be able to seek assistance from one of the listed experts.
Requirements for Participation
- Participants must be currently employed by a Minerva library.
- Mentors must have at least 3 years cataloging experience (including at least 1 year in Minerva).
- Anyone may apply to be a mentee. Please note: new catalogers are welcome and encouraged to apply, but keep in mind this is not a formal training program–a professional development course in addition to mentoring is highly recommended.
- Participants must commit to 6 months of formal mentorship. After that, participants may reapply as a mentor or mentee. They are also welcome to maintain communication with their mentorship partner on an informal basis, if they wish.
Expectations for Mentors
- Answer cataloging questions.
- Check in with mentee at least once a month. Check-ins can take the form of email, phone call, Zoom meeting or in-person meeting, as agreed upon by the mentorship pair.
- Guide mentee to Minerva-related and general cataloging resources.
- Share any additional resources based on mentee’s professional interests/needs (webinars, articles, websites, etc.).
- Put mentee in contact with local experts on topics they have questions about or advise them on other sources of information. No one is expected to know everything.
- To sign up to be a mentor, or an expert in one or more cataloging areas, please fill out this form: Mentor Sign-up (google.com)
Expectations for Mentees
- Contact mentor with any cataloging-related questions —these may be specific or general in nature.
- Be open about what you need or wish to know.
- Be responsive to contact from mentor.
- Identify any goals or areas of interest to explore.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
- To sign up for a mentor, or assistance with a specific area of cataloging, please fill out this form: Mentee sign-up (google.com)
Oversight
- A mentoring program coordinator will be available to address any issues that arise between mentorship pairs.
- The program coordinator will check in with each pair halfway through the six-month session.
- At the end of each six-month period, an evaluation form will be available to each participant to provide feedback on the program.
