Mentoring at a Distance: Successful Matching of Experienced Librarians with School of Information Sciences Students via Electronic and Traditional Means

ABSTRACT

To investigate the effectiveness of a distance-mentoring program, the authors paired 28 librarian mentors and 17 University of Tennessee School of Information Sciences students according to interests rather than proximity. We used a needs assessment tool and informal evaluation. Although most respondents did not find distance an obstacle, the majority would prefer an opportunity to meet the mentor and visit his or her workplace. Pairs who corresponded more frequently expressed greater satisfaction. Participants used both electronic and traditional means of contact.

KEYWORDS:

• Mentoring
• library schools
• librarians
• alumni
• distance education
• electronic mail
• communication
• needs assessment