BLC Mentors

BLC Mentors is designed to support mid-career library professionals in their professional development through structured mentorship.

BLC Mentors is designed to support mid-level library professionals in their career development through structured mentorship. This program connects experienced library leaders with mid-career professionals (3-15 years experience in or with libraries) who are looking to develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and navigate the next steps in their careers.

Building on the strengths of BLC Leads, BLC’s signature leadership development program, BLC Mentors offers a hybrid mentorship experience, blending virtual mentor-mentee meetings with two in-person retreats. The program supports 10 mentorship pairs carefully matched based on roles, goals, and aspirations.

Program Overview

Through structured mentorship pairings, participants will engage in self-directed virtual meetings, guided discussions, and two in-person retreats to foster meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. The program aims to connect experienced library leaders with mid-career professionals, creating a supportive space for professional growth, knowledge sharing, and leadership development. BLC Mentors aims to: 

  • Foster leadership development and professional growth.
  • Strengthen peer connections across institutions.
  • Provide guidance and support from experienced library leaders.
  • Build a culture of mentorship within the BLC community.

Through BLC Mentors, mentees will gain guidance from experienced professionals, leadership development skills, an expanded professional network, and insight into career growth opportunities. Mentors will gain the opportunity to give back and shape the next generation of library leaders, connections with talented library professionals across the BLC membership, and the chance to refine coaching and leadership skills. BLC Mentors also offers participants a cohort experience as a mentor and mentee, respectively, providing peer-to-peer support throughout the program. 

BLC Mentors Opening Retreat

The program begins with an in-person kick-off retreat where participants will engage in networking, onboarding, and mentor-mentee matching, concluding with the first mentor-mentee meeting of the program. This retreat is held in September 2026 at a BLC member institution. 

Virtual Onboarding and Training

Prior to the opening retreat, virtual sessions will be hosted for mentors and mentees separately to learn best practices, review program logistics, and have the opportunity to ask questions. These onboarding sessions are designed to prepare for meaningful connections at the opening in-person retreat. These trainings will occur virtually via Zoom in August 2026 (see dates below).

Virtual Mentor-Mentee Meetings

Following the retreat, mentors and mentees will then set their own meeting schedules for the remainder of the program, October through April, with recommendations, support, optional resources and check-in opportunities provided by BLC. 

Virtual Mentor and Mentee Cohort Meetings

Virtual cohort meetings will provide touch points for mentors and mentees, respectively, to meet and discuss challenges, opportunities for growth, and the mentorship experience overall through facilitated conversations. These cohort meetings will occur virtually via Zoom every month. Mentees will meet the second Tuesday of each month beginning on October 13, 2026 and ending April 13, 2027, from 2 - 3 pm ET. Mentors will meet the second Thursday of each month, beginning on October 8, 2026 and ending April 8, 2027, from 2 - 3 pm ET.

BLC Mentors Closing Retreat

The program concludes with an in-person retreat in May 2027 at a BLC member institution, offering participants a space to reflect on their experience, provide feedback, and determine how to continue their mentorship relationship beyond the program.

Who Should Apply?

Mentors

Mentors are experienced library leaders who are:

  • Eager to share their knowledge and provide guidance to the next generation of library leaders.
  • Committed to fostering growth and learning in others.
  • Willing to engage in meaningful conversations and mentorship throughout the program.
Mentees

Mentees are mid-level library professionals who are:

  • Looking to develop leadership skills and gain career guidance.
  • Interested in learning from an experienced mentor in the field.
  • Seeking support as they navigate challenges, transitions, or professional goals.

Program Schedule

The eight-month hybrid program will run from August 2026 to May 2027, supporting 10 pairs of mentors and mentees. Download a program calendar here. View key dates below:  

  • August 18, 2026 | 2 - 4 pm ET: Virtual onboarding workshop for mentees.
  • August 20, 2026 | 2 - 4 pm ET: Virtual onboarding workshop for mentors.
  • September 17, 2026: Kick-off retreat featuring networking, onboarding, and mentor/mentee matching at a BLC member institution.  
  • October 2026 - April 2027: Self-scheduled 1:1 mentorship meetings.
  • 2nd Tuesday of Each Month, October 13 - April 13, 2 - 3 pm ET: Virtual mentee cohort meetings.
  • 2nd Thursday of Each Month, October 8 - April 8, 2 - 3 pm ET: Virtual mentor cohort meetings.
  • May 4, 2027: Closing retreat hosted at at BLC member institution. 

Mentee Application Info

Applications for mentees are now open! The application deadline is July 17, 2026.

Applicants must submit both an application in addition to the Statement of Support from the dean/director/university librarian (or equivalent) or supervisor at your institution (see more information about the Statement of Support below). Applications and Statements of Support must be submitted online by July 17, 2026.

Decisions will be announced on July 31, 2026.

You can view PDF versions of the Application and Statement of Support to aid in application preparation.

Please note that space is limited to 20 participants, 10 mentees and 10 mentors.

Program Fee & Institutional Support

The 2026 BLC Mentors program fee is $450 for mentees. This fee is the responsibility of the participating institution and is not paid by individual mentees. There is no program fee for mentors. The program fee includes meals during program activities, and supports instruction costs and program materials. The program fee does not include travel to and from the program locations.

The Statement of Institutional Support serves as the institution’s acknowledgement of and commitment to the 2026-2027 BLC Mentors program fee. By submitting the statement on behalf of the applicant, the institution confirms its responsibility for payment of the $450 mentee program fee, as well as any travel expenses not covered by the program. 

BLC is committed to making BLC Mentors accessible to all BLC member institutions, fostering a diverse community of mentees irrespective of their financial capacities. Institutions may apply to reduce the program fee for those who would otherwise be unable to participate in the program. BLC Mentors is not open to institutions outside BLC’s membership network.

Call for Mentors

BLC Mentors is seeking experienced library leaders who are passionate about supporting and developing the next generation of leaders in libraries. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge, offer guidance, and engage in meaningful conversations that help emerging leaders grow in confidence, skills, and professional impact.

We welcome mentors who are eager to give back to the library profession, committed to fostering learning and growth in others, and willing to build supportive mentoring relationships throughout the program. Whether you are a seasoned mentor or considering mentoring for the first time, your experience and perspective can help shape another professional's leadership journey.

Mentoring is an opportunity not only to support a colleague’s professional journey, but also to strengthen the consortial community and invest in the future of the profession. If you are interested in supporting the next stage of a colleague's professional journey, we encourage you to join us as a mentor in the BLC Mentors program.

Questions?

Questions? Email Cate Harriman, Program Manager for Learning and Development.