Mentoring and networking in SA

As the Liaison Mentoree I helped organise a very successful and stimulating 'networking' event on 2 August 2004 together with the ALIASA Mentoring Committee, which more than 30 people attended on a cold and rain-drenched winter evening. Representatives from various ALIA groups and Georgina Dale, Manager for Member Services and Group Liaison for ALIA, spoke enthusiastically about what ALIA membership can do for us, such as gaining support and recognition with CPD programs, attending seminars and conferences and most importantly developing and expanding networking opportunities between librarians, library technicians, present and future information specialists.

Amongst the attendees, many were current students from Adelaide TAFE college, and the University of South Australia, information managers, library assistants and librarians in schools, public libraries and private organisations, and universities. This included library students who are looking for work or new opportunities in the library world and people who were looking for mentors. The guest speakers highlighted the benefits one can gain by participating in their meetings and events. By joining an interest group such as MentoringSA, Special Libraries, InfoSci, New Grads Group or the South Australian Library and Information Network (SALIN), to name a just a few, members could gain training opportunities, news on job availability, keep up with developments in the latest technologies, as well as increased confidence and peer support. It was also explained that most of the guest speakers are members of more than one group.

Sharron Zuodar who represented SALT and Libtec, promoted their forthcoming events and described their 'meetings' as a social gathering to promote the 'networking' aspect of the group. Kate Sinclair promoted the ALIA group 'New Grads' and the upcoming 'New Librarians' Symposium 2' at the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide for 3-4 December. Kate explained that the three main themes at the symposium are 'career and life planning', 'libraries and the future' and 'libraries and the world'. Silvia Muscardin together with Vickie Richardson and Marie Francis, represented 'Specials' and spoke with warmth of the support and benefits they have received from ALIA when requiring advice or help. Jenny Quilliam explained the role and activities of the ALIA Information Science (SA) group, while Jenni Jeremy spoke about her activities with the ALIA Acquisitions and ASSIG groups. Jonathon Dyer represented the ALIA Reference and Information Services group; I spoke about how my career has been helped by being a part of the Mentoring group.

Feedback immediately after the event was most positive with the attendees leaving on a high note and with great enthusiasm, and a better understanding of the benefits of joining ALIA and participating in ALIA groups for the benefit of their future career.

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