Evaluation of transitional mentoring for new library and information professionals. What are the professional and personal outcomes for the participants?
| Date | 01 March 2006 |
| Pages | 154-167 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120610652905 |
| Published date | 01 March 2006 |
| Author | Gillian Hallam,Carol Newton‐Smith |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Evaluation of transitional
mentoring for new library and
information professionals
What are the professional and personal
outcomes for the participants?
Gillian Hallam
School of Information Systems, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Australia, and
Carol Newton-Smith
University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
Abstract
Purpose – To present the findings of the comparative evaluation of two transitional mentoring
programs developed for new library and information professionals in Australia, one as a group
program and the other with pairs of mentors/mentees.
Design/methodology/approach – The research project involved an initial review of the literature.
A comparative study was undertaken, with a survey approach to collect data from the participants in
the transitional mentoring programs. The study obtained data about three key areas: career-related,
learning-related, and professional development.
Findings – It was found that participants had a high level of satisfaction with both the programs and
both mentor and mentee reported positive career, learning and personal development outcomes.
Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to one year of transitional mentoring
activity for one professional field in Australia. It would be beneficial to continue the study over a
longer period of time to collect further data from other participants.
Practical implications – The research project highlights evaluation of mentoring programs. The
project has helped develop an initial understanding of benefits to be gained through mentoring
relationships to support new professionals. The study is likely to have wider application across other
professional disciplines and may encourage professionals to consider mentoring as a valuable part of
career development.
Originality/value – The paper provides information about two different models of transitional
mentoring programs, together with one possible approach for the evaluation of mentoring programs.
The paper offers support and encouragement to any professional group planning to establish and
manage a mentoring program.
Keywords Library management, Information management, Mentoring, Career development,
Australia
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The transition from student to first professional position is a transition that brings
with it many challenges. Job prospects are uncertain, people may be separated from
their University peer group, they are responsible for their own learning, and they are
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
27,3
154
Received 18 October 2005
Revised 13 November 2005
Accepted 28 November 2005
Library Management
Vol. 27 No. 3, 2006
pp. 154-167
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120610652905
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