The library, archival, and information science fields are built on the foundation of sharing information and making it accessible to all. We know the only way that we can effectively do this is if the knowledge and stories that we share are told from a diversity of voices. We must work collectively to ensure our institutions are representing these voices and giving them the power to share their unique knowledge and perspectives with others.

With this in mind, SIS is happy to announce a mentorship program, called Compass. It was created in partnership with our student group, FLID (Future Librarians for Inclusivity and Diversity) to address the need to welcome and retain underrepresented students and professionals in the library, archival, and information science fields. Homogenous environments in the information field, both in educational programs and in future career positions can sometimes make students with marginalized identities and backgrounds feel undervalued, uncomfortable, and out of place. These circumstances can limit the presence of LIS/IS/Archival students and professionals whose diverse perspectives and experiences are essential to the growth of the information science fields and are essential to achieving the goal of spreading accessible information to all.

The Compass program is designed to help these students gain direction with professionals who share similar identities, challenges, and perspectives to help students build confidence when navigating these spaces that do not always reflect or represent their identities. This includes students and professionals who identify as having a disability, on the LGBTQ spectrum, and people of color including those who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.

Suggested meetings are below and are expected to be online via phone, Skype, Zoom, or TEAMS. Meeting format is subject to change based on the needs of the mentee and/or mentor.

Please apply by 5pm on March 7, 2025. We will do our best to partner you with a mentor in your preferred demographic as per the application form.

A brief overview of important dates and discussion topics is as follows:

Meeting 1 - Meet and Greet (Completion March 2025)
a. Mentee interviews mentor about their path as a professional
b. Student will prepare a set of interview questions before the meeting

Meeting 2 - Career and Academic Goals (Completion April 2025)
a. Mentor and mentee discuss career and academic goals and challenges
b. Mentees will research information profession roles per their interests
 
Meeting 3 - Develop Interview Skills (Completion May 2025)
a. Mentor interviews mentee
b. Mentor will prepare mock interview questions for desired information profession
c. Student will prepare resume and review mock interview questions
 
Meeting 4 Day in the Life- (Completion May 2025)
a. Mentee shadows mentor at work (Virtual or Physical)
b. Should be reasonable amount of time (under 2 hrs.)
c. Mentor will establish location and secure any needed supplies to facilitate

Each meeting should be approximately 30 minutes. Students are expected to make first contact for meeting one. This program is intended to be a knowledge sharing opportunity, enabling students to begin building a professional network and gain insight into the information world.

Both students and alumni should contact Kim Schroeder, ag1797@wayne.edu, with any questions.