Wednesday, October 5, 2011

What is SANDALL Buddies?

SANDALL Buddies is the San Diego Area Law Libraries Association's (a chapter of the American Association of Law Libraries) mentoring program launched in 2010 that pairs professional law librarians with library students, new librarians and other information professionals who are interested in the field of law librarianship. The program goal is to encourage and support mentees by providing real world information, advice and access to networks that are sometimes unavailable to those starting out in this field.

Program Length
Starts in the fall and ends in the summer.

Mentor/Mentee Meetings (in person or virtual)
Strong communication is a key ingredient in successful mentor/mentee relationships.  Pairs are encouraged to communicate often and set their own expectations based on their availabilities.  Although in person meetings are preferred, mentors and mentees can still develop an effective mentoring relationship via phone calls, email, chat, social networking and other mediums in the absence of face to face meetings.  The SANDALL Buddies Program ask that mentors and mentees check-in with each other at least twice a month.  Suggested meeting discussions and topics: duties of law librarians, career advice, goal setting, etc.

Activities
One of the mentor/mentee meetings should include either a job shadowing experience or tour of the mentor’s workplace to help mentees gain a firsthand understanding of the law librarian profession.  SANDALL will also provide plenty of activities throughout the year for mentors and mentees to participate in.  Some of these activities include:
  • Mock interview and resume review
  • Writing newsletter articles or blogs together
  • Community Service opportunities
  • Attending SANDALL programs & events such as: Brownbags, Fall & Spring Workshop, Holiday Party, Summer Picnic & other announced events
Tips for Mentors and Mentees

  • Know yourself and begin mentoring relationship by discussing mutual goals and expectations
  • Practice highest standards of professionalism (trust and respect)
  • Learn to accept and give feedback
  • Recognize that the success of your mentor/mentee relationship is your responsibility
  • Practice good communication
  • Consider periodic mentor check-up to reevaluate goals and expectations


Contact Information 
Betsy Chessler, BChessler@mofo.com 
Grace Chilingirian, SANDALLBuddies@gmail.com

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