Many new employees naturally seek out coworkers and informal advisors as a way of learning about their new positions and organizations. However, a formalized mentoring program is a way to meet the needs of new employees and effectively impart the information and advice in a coordinated, ongoing process.This paper focuses on the process of revitalizing a formalized mentoring program in an academic library. Included are details of the process developed by one institution, an extensive bibliography, sample checklists, and assessment tools.ndividuals embarking on a new professional position bring with them a wide range of professional skills and experiences. Some are fresh out of a degree program, and others have worked in the profession for many years in varying capacities. However, all individuals starting a new position can use help in ge ing to know the specific expectations, routines, standards, and organizational culture. Many new employees naturally seek out coworkers and informal advisors as a way of learning about the new position and the surrounding organization. Unfortunately, the informal method leads to a patchwork of input of varying effectiveness. A formalized mentoring program can meet the needs of the new employees and more effectively impart the information and advice in a coordinated, ongoing process.Since it is acknowledged that mentoring can be delivered in a wide variety of ways, how does an organization go about developing an effective program that fits the needs of the institution and individuals? This paper describes the process and evaluation of revitalizing a mentoring program at K-State Libraries (KSL).

This study surveyed current education majors (n=70) in two Kansas universities to gain a perspective on their understanding of Information Literacy (IL) concepts and skills, and to learn whether they anticipated teaching such concepts to their future K-12 students. School media specialists in the state were also surveyed (n=85) and asked to share their observations of teachers new to the profession as to their understanding and practice of IL. Results indicate many education students were not familiar with IL concept terminology and at least some new teachers in the state do not have a clear understanding or priority for teaching such skills in K-12 classrooms.

Many new employees naturally seek out coworkers and informal advisors as a way of learning about their new positions and organizations. However, a formalized mentoring program is a way to meet the needs of new employees and effectively impart the information and advice in a coordinated, ongoing process.This paper focuses on the process of revitalizing a formalized mentoring program in an academic library. Included are details of the process developed by one institution, an extensive bibliography, sample checklists, and assessment tools.ndividuals embarking on a new professional position bring with them a wide range of professional skills and experiences. Some are fresh out of a degree program, and others have worked in the profession for many years in varying capacities. However, all individuals starting a new position can use help in ge ing to know the specific expectations, routines, standards, and organizational culture. Many new employees naturally seek out coworkers and informal advisors as a way of learning about the new position and the surrounding organization. Unfortunately, the informal method leads to a patchwork of input of varying effectiveness. A formalized mentoring program can meet the needs of the new employees and more effectively impart the information and advice in a coordinated, ongoing process.Since it is acknowledged that mentoring can be delivered in a wide variety of ways, how does an organization go about developing an effective program that fits the needs of the institution and individuals? This paper describes the process and evaluation of revitalizing a mentoring program at K-State Libraries (KSL).

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Purpose – This paper aims to present a case study of the Kansas State University Libraries open access publishing endeavor, New Prairie Press (NPP). The library as publisher is a growing worldwide movement. Many academic and research libraries see it as their strategic mission to highlight and disseminate the research and creative work being done by faculty and students at their institutions. Topics covered include current activities, business plan development, needed technology and skill sets and migration from an open source platform to a hosted solution. Design/methodology/approach – The article presents a case study of one library’s experience of establishing a publishing press – libraries as publishers. Findings – This article finds that during the years of operation, NPP staff members have learned much about the role that libraries can play in the evolving scholarly communications landscape. Originality/value – This article finds that the continual assessment of value, alignment with strategic goals and funding will be critical to ensure future growth and direction of the press.