The OLA Mentoring Fund
The OLA Mentoring Fund supports OLA mentoring programs identified or
developed by the OLA Mentoring Committee. Programs are aligned with the
strategic priorities of the association and are designed to increase professional
capacity of members through mentoring.
This fund was originally named the Marjorie Fleming Fund and was founded in
2006 by Lynne Howarth, former dean at the Faculty of Information Studies at the
University of Toronto. Dr. Howarth wished to honour Marjorie Fleming who was
the Head of Children’s Services at the George H. Locke Branch of Toronto Public
Library for many years. Ms. Fleming was the mentor who influenced Dr. Howarth
the most in her career.
The original purpose of the fund was to establish a new mentoring endeavor of
enduring significance. However, the fund for various reasons remained dormant.
An example of a program for which funds can be disbursed to applicants is the 2017 pilot project called the “Spirit of Reconciliation”. This project was developed to use the fund to benefit Indigenous, remote communities, and those identifying as culturally diverse. The project seeks to foster librarianship in Indigenous communities, sponsoring librarians from First Nations public libraries to attend the OLA Super Conference. Funding recipients are partnered with an experienced conference mentor, building mutual understanding and setting the foundation for strengthening professional networks and ongoing capacity building. The 2017 pilot of this project was developed and managed cooperatively by the Mentoring Committee, Indigenous Task Group, the Cultural Diversity Committee and OLA staff.
Donor Benefits
Many of us in the library and information sector can identify our own mentors. This fund honours those who have provided their guidance, time and expertise to strengthen the library and information profession.
OLA encourages donations to this fund in the name of a mentor who has had an impact and will feature this on the donations page and in other recognition
avenues.
Donations to the OLA Mentoring Fund ensure the ongoing sustainability of projects like Spirit of Reconciliation, and build the capacity for developing new projects that support member development through the mentoring relationship.
Process
The OLA Mentoring Committee will develop programs to build professional capacity and ensure opportunities are promoted to OLA members.
Criteria for applying for funding
- Applications are accepted for specific mentoring projects that are supported by the fund.
- The applicant must meet the criteria as set out for the project for which they are applying.
- The applicant must be an OLA member in good standing.
- Recipients agree to have their names published on OLA Communication vehicles (for example on the website, annual report).
- If in the project terms, applicants may be required to submit expense claims, and a report.
More information around our Mentoring Committee can be found here: https://olamentoring.wordpress.com/
Selection Process
- Eligible applicants will be assessed according to the criteria as set by the specific project.
- Additional background on the applicant may be sought to aid in decision making.
- The Mentoring Committee will judge applications and provide an annual report to the OLA Board on the fund.
- The recipient(s) will be awarded funds based on the criteria set by the Committee for each project and upon review of the application for funds.
- The Mentoring Committee reserves the right to not issue funds if they determine that the applicants for that year do not meet the criteria.
- Once the recipient(s) have been chosen, the Mentoring Committee will review the best avenues to provide mentorship support.
