Hello all,
As promised here are the results from the Chartership survey on mentorship (drum roll please....)
We had a total of 109 responses, so thanks to everyone who participated!
My mentor works in the same sector as me:
56 (51.4%)
My mentor works in a different sector from me:
53 (48.6%)
So very close! Quite a few of you offered comments, mainly specifying your (and your mentor's) sector and/or how you communicate with one another but there were a number of comments regarding the pros of either option:
Pros of same sector mentors
"It is better to have a mentor from the same sector to understand the pros and cons of working in the a specific sector and will be able to advise in a positive way. Working with a mentor from a different sector would give
you different / innovative ideas to work on your project."
"No problem whatsoever. My mentor before didn't and it was difficult to get together"
"My mentor was in the same sector as me, but in a very different role and in a different library. I think it definitely helped to have the perspective of someone who I didn't see on a daily basis."
"I didn't have any problems with it and have successfully chartered. Just make sure you keep a watch on the terminology that others may not understand (ie. those assessing the portfolio). As long as you show awareness of other
sectors, having a similar mentor shouldn't be a bother - maybe visit some other libraries, or try and compare how the skills you have relate to the skills others from different sectors may have?"
Pros of different sector mentors
"My role is specialist. Having a mentor from a different sector helped me be more analytical about the wider profession and I highly recommend it."
"I work in a public library and my mentor works in an academic library. I think it works really well as it helps me to see how my skills can be applied in different sectors."
"Works in a sort of related sector, so understands but has that distance too."
"I work in public libraries, my mentor in academic, makes me look afresh at some long-standing working practices - 'but why do you do that?' "
"I changed mentor specifically to get one from a different sector. (After seeking advice from CILIP.)"
"She was brilliant!"
Other respondents didn't think it was an issue e.g. "I think it does not matter too much as long as you can show your awareness of wider issues" and another
mentioned their mentor worked in the same sector, but in a different country, which is quite impressive! A respondent who chartered a few years ago had a mentor in a different sector and is now passing on that experience by mentoring
other candidates from other sectors.
Any questions let me know and feel free to pass on, tweet etc. If you have an idea for another poll do share!
Thanks,
Sian Aynsley
Information Skills Trainer
South London Healthcare NHS Trust
Education and Development
Healthcare Library
Queen Elizabeth, Woolwich
Stadium Road
LONDON
SE18 4QH
Tel: 0208 836 6742
Email:
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"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." - Neil Gaiman