BLC Mentors

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

BLC Mentors is a pilot initiative 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 runs from April to December 2025 and supports 20 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. 

There is no program fee to participate in BLC Mentors. BLC will fully cover program costs, including materials and in-person programming. Participants will be responsible for their own travel to and from the in-person retreat locations. BLC is committed to making BLC Mentors accessible to all BLC member institutions, fostering a diverse community of mentorship irrespective of their financial capacities. Recognizing that some institutions may encounter challenges in covering travel costs, BLC has made available a pool of funds to support travel costs for those who would otherwise be unable to attend 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 will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Brandeis University. 

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 on Tuesday, April 22, from 10 am - 12 pm ET and 1 - 3 pm ET, respectively.

Virtual Mentor-Mentee Meetings

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

Virtual Mentor and Mentee Cohort Meetings

Virtual cohort meetings will provide three touchpoints for mentors and mentees, respectively, to meet and discuss challenges, opportunities for growth, and the mentorship experience overall through facilitated conversations led by BLC's Senior Managers Community of Practice. These cohort meetings will occur virtually via Zoom on Wednesdays, July 16, September 17, and November 12, from 10 am - 12 pm ET, respectively.

BLC Mentors Closing Retreat

The program concludes with an in-person retreat on December 10, 2025, at Tufts University, 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 April to December 2025, supporting 20 pairs of mentors and mentees. 

  • Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm ET: Virtual onboarding workshop for mentees.
  • Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 1 - 3 pm ET: Virtual onboarding workshop for mentors.
  • Wednesday, April 30, 2025: Kick-off retreat featuring networking, onboarding, and mentor/mentee matching at Brandeis University.  
  • April–December 2025: Self-scheduled virtual mentorship meetings.
  • Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm ET: Virtual mentor/mentee cohort meetings.
  • Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm ET: Virtual mentor/mentee cohort meetings.
  • Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm ET: Virtual mentor/mentee cohort meetings.  
  • Wednesday, December 10, 2025: Closing retreat hosted at Tufts University. 

Application Information

Applications are now open. The application deadline is Friday, March 28, 2025. Applications for those interested in participating as mentors can be submitted here. Applications for those interested in participating as mentees can be submitted here.

Decisions will be announced on April 4, 2025. You can download a PDF version of the mentor application here and the mentee application here to assist in the application process. Please note that space is limited to 40 participants.  

Questions?

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