Where Do We Start? Building a Library Mentorship Program for Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Mentorship programs mutually benefit academic libraries and student mentees. The main benefit of library mentorship programs to academic libraries is that they supplement the workforce and increase student employee morale. In addition, mentorship programs help students acquire and strengthen skills essential for academic success and future employment. This article articulates how Mercy College Libraries’ developed an experiential learning opportunity for its student employees. The authors also highlight their experiences and identify aspects of a mentorship program that must be considered before implementation.