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CHICAGO - The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is pleased to announce the launch of its first annual mentoring program.

This full year program is designed to provide knowledge, insight and training on advocacy for specific specialized areas of librarianship. Mentees should have an interest in one or more of ASCLA's core areas of service including state library agencies, federal and armed forces libraries, working with populations that are underserved, library cooperatives and consortias, independent librarians or consultants. Mentors will offer unique insights to the areas of service, career opportunities and professional growth provided through less-known niche areas of library services.

"For many years, ASCLA has reached out to new and potential members with welcome emails, online and in-person orientation sessions and in-person networking opportunities at conferences. An ASCLA sponsored mentoring program goes a step farther and adds face-to-face and virtual one-on-one conversations over an extended period. This allows the mentee and mentor to explore questions and opportunities for career development and involvement in 91´«Ã½ and the division. The continuing personal relationship allows both parties to learn and develop understanding for their chosen agencies of interest. The mentor and mentee are able to set goals and achievable steps for professional growth during the one-year program. The successful mentoring process will allow the mentee to develop knowledge, skills and confidence for continuing contribution to library service and the profession," stated ASCLA President, Jeannette Smithee.

The first class of mentors and mentees will meet and begin their year-long journey at the 2018 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in New Orleans. Mentor applications are open to ASCLA members while mentee applications are open to all. 2018 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference registration will be covered for mentees, if selected. Application are being accepted through March 16, 2018. .

About ASCLA

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is a division of the 91´«Ã½. ASCLA focuses on providing a voice and advocating for libraries serving populations that are underserved such as those with sensory, physical, health or behavioral conditions, those who are incarcerated or detained and more. ASCLA is the premier destination for members to find information and build capacity to serve populations that are served by state library agencies, specialized libraries, library cooperatives, library networks and library consultants among others. Member activity is centered around our interest groups.

ASCLA enhances the effectiveness of library service by providing high quality networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members. Opportunities include leadership roles, online webinars and eCourses, specialty interest group involvement and even produce resources and industry standards and guidelines including the most recent revision of the 2011 Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped as well as Prisoners’ Right to Read and more. .