Beyond orientation: The roles of senior librarians in training entry-level reference colleagues

Abstract

Little of the professional literature on the training process for newly hired reference librarians discusses the roles and impact of senior, more experienced colleagues in academic libraries. This paper explores the significant ways in which senior librarians contribute to the long-term educational, professional, collegial, and career development of entry-level reference librarians. Vie authors emphasize that senior librarians play vital roles by assisting junior colleagues in learning essential library skills and knowledge, by facilitating the assimilation of organizational and institutional values and norms, by serving as role models for effective interpersonal relationships, and by mentoring entry-level librarians in professional development activities.