Mentoring Committee
The Ontario Library Association Mentoring Committee works hard to offer numerous different programs and services to the OLA members.
They strive to link working professionals with students, new graduates and other library staff interested in a career in libraries and related fields through the mentoring matching program, they run the career services area and programs on site at the OLA Super Conference, as well as provide other tips and helpful links for you along your career path on their site.
OLA Mentoring Committee is a committee of the OLA Board and is comprised of OLA members from various divisions.
Committee Members
Janice Mutz, Lakehead University (Committee Chair)
Larysa Essex, Midland Public Library (Committee Past Chair)
Jennifer Peters, Seneca College
Beckie MacDonald, Oshawa Public Libraries
Karen Wales – Whitby Public Library
Yvonne Patch, Retired Public Librarian
Dayna Debenedet, Confederation College
Amanda Achacon, Seneca Polytechnic
Jacqueline Kreller-Vanderkooy – University of Guelph
Alannah Metherel – Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Alessia Barzetti – Mississauga Public Library
Jessica Hymers – University of Toronto
Ex-Officio: Melissa Macks, Ontario Library Association
The OLA MentorMatch program is open to all OLA members.
The OLA MentorMatch program strives to link working library staff with students, new graduates and other library staff interested in a career in libraries and related fields. Mentoring involves one person providing support and guidance to another, helping them manage their own learning and development. Mentoring is a relationship rather than a management activity, providing a safe and non-judgemental environment in which to learn. The mentoring relationship has rewards for both partners.
Mentor Match program applications are now closed for the Spring Session
Spring 2025 MentorMatch will run from March 2025 – June 2025
For any questions about the program, please contact olamentoring@gmail.com
MentorMatch Resources
MentorMatch – Planning your first session
A Guide for Mentoring Conversations
Check in Questions for Mentors and Mentees
For the Mentor – Effective Feedback and Questioning Tips
Career Centre
- The onsite Career Centre at the OLA Super Conference offers in person cover letter and resume critiquing, mock interviews, a job board, and networking
- Each year, the Mentoring Committee recruits volunteers within the field to help with the activities in the career centre. Watch the OLA Super Conference site for more information closer to conference time
Career Focused Workshops/Sessions
- Each year there are a handful of sessions and a spotlight speaker offered throughout the OLA Super Conference that are career related sessions hosted by the OLA Mentoring Committee
OLA Mentoring Committee facilitates many career related OnLibChat’s throughout the year.
- 8-10 online 1-hour sessions per year of varying career related topics
- FREE for OLA members
- Pop-up virtual Career Centre (resume reviews, interview skills, networking, etc)
- Learn more and register
