**NEW RBMS MENTORING PROGRAM**

The Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, is pleased to announce the launch of a new mentoring program. The RBMS Mentoring Program is designed to facilitate communication between RBMS members and to support their professional development as special collections librarians, curators, and archivists. It is open to all members of RBMS, old or new, who need help in becoming more involved with RBMS and in navigating the rare books and manuscripts profession.

RBMS mentors can:

* Explain how RBMS works and introduce mentees to other RBMS members and
professional colleagues.

* Suggest appropriate library and information studies classes, continuing
education coursework, or RBMS conference sessions to help mentees achieve
their career goals.

* Serve as a resource for policies, procedures and other information
relating to RBMS and the profession.

RBMS mentees can:

* Ask mentors for information and advice on RBMS committees, activities,
and preconference and annual/midwinter meetings.

* Request guidance on career goals, resume writing, and educational
opportunities.

* Discuss current trends in rare books and manuscripts librarianship.

The RBMS Mentoring Program tries to match members requesting mentors with more experienced librarians, curators or archivists based on subject interests, geographic location, or other stated criteria. When a match is made, the Mentoring Program notifies the mentor and the mentee, providing contact information and suggested guidelines. Together, mentors and
mentees determine their expectations and how to best structure their relationship. RBMS encourages mentors to remain in touch with their mentees on a monthly basis for at least one year, and if possible, to meet in person at RBMS preconferences and ALA annual or midwinter meetings.

To request a mentor or to become one, please follow the "RBMS Mentoring Program" link on the opening page of the RBMS website at http://www.rbms.nd.edu/ .