Metu Library Mentoring Practices

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine and evaluate compulsory internship programs which part of the information management curriculum in the frame of mentoring. The reason for the selection of Middle East Technical University (METU) Library is that METU is taking concrete steps to gain corporate culture and the development of professional skills via mentoring. It was need to determine effect of internship practices in the METU Library on students' abilities, professional expectations and psychosocial development and also determine effect of library staff on the process. In this respect, the concept of mentoring is examined based on the literature and the data obtained from the questionnaire applied to the students of the information management department, which was internship in METU Library between 2016 and 2018, were evaluated. As a result of the evaluation of the data obtained from 35 students, it was determined that the students who have been internship at the METU Library and the employees who take the role of mentors are willing and enthusiastic about this process; mentoring practice is an important practice supporting career and psychosocial development; the students have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in theory and the students identified the areas they want to specialize in. The findings show that mentoring is an effective method for librarianship. In this respect, it is thought that it is beneficial to develop and expand systematic mentoring practices that are announced and accessible in every environment for both working librarians and librarian candidates.