Mentors!

I am currently blessed to be working with a number of emerging professionals in the role of mentor. These arrangements range from ALIA’s fabulous Mentoring Scheme which I’ve been part of for a couple of years, to less formal agreements. I love it and look forward to my catch ups with my colleagues. They stretch my thinking and impress me with their insights and dedication. It is a joy to see them grow and develop.

A few weeks ago one of them asked for advice on how to get involved in professional activities outside of the workplace. I must admit that the question took me by surprise as while I’ve long espoused the mantra of ‘you get back what you put in’, I hadn’t really considered how my journey with the professional associations had begun. Thinking about the question I realised that it was my first boss and mentor, Joan Barry, who had encouraged me to join ALIA (or the Library Association of Australia as it was then known) and take advantage of the opportunities that it afforded. This was reinforced by subsequent managers and mentors, especially Jan Keith, who encouraged and supported my engagement.

This week I was surprised at a dinner in Hobart with the presentation of my 50 year ALIA Membership pin (lucky I’d worn a good frock!). Where did that time go? As the evening progressed discussion turned to the changes that had occurred in our profession over that period and the challenges that we face as we move forward. I also thought of the networks I’d developed and the many friendships I’d made through my work with ALIA. It has enriched my life and given deeper meaning to the work I do.

As a sad footnote to this post my first mentor, Joan Barry, died several days before I received my 50 year pin. I worked for Joan at Orange Regional Library (now known as Central West Libraries) for two years as a ‘trainee librarian’ when I first left school before moving to Armidale and then Wollongong. Several decades later I would return to Orange and succeed Joan as the Library Manager. Joan’s insights and courage to try new things meant that Orange and the wider Central West region of NSW had an outstanding library service and the strongest champion. It also meant that those who worked with her were given wonderful opportunities. I thank my lucky stars that our paths crossed. Rest In Peace ‘Miss Barry’, your legacy will live on.