The UBC Library-iSchool Mentorship Program offers UBC School of Information students the opportunity to learn from UBC librarians and archivists. Now in its second year, the mentorship program continues to support students in their development as emerging professionals, and strengthen relationships between librarians and archivists of all career stages. We spoke with Allan Cho, UBC Library’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Librarian and also one of the organizers of the mentorship program, about the process and experience of running the program.
What was the motivation behind setting up this mentorship program?
We created the UBC Library–iSchool Mentorship Program to address gaps between academic coursework and the realities of professional librarianship. I recall when I was a student at the iSchool, I gained strong theoretical and technical training, but I didn’t have access to the informal knowledge, workplace culture, and leadership perspectives that shape day-to-day practice in academic libraries. The mentorship program addresses this need by pairing graduate students with professional librarians and archivists at UBC, providing mentees with insight into career paths, institutional structures, and the practical expectations of academic library work.
With the program now in its second year, what’s something you’ve learned or have found surprising about running a program like this?
One surprising lesson from running the program into its second year is how much mentorship depends on relationship-building rather than structure. We often assume that designing the proper framework, such as policies, guidelines, and timelines, is the most essential part. But what has emerged, in my mind, is that the most meaningful outcomes come from unexpected conversations, organic chemistry between pairs, and the willingness of mentors and mentees to be vulnerable about their goals, uncertainties, and experiences.
Another insight is how diverse students’ needs actually are. Even within a relatively small cohort, no two mentees are looking for the same thing: some want career clarity, others want emotional support and confidence-building, and still others wish for exposure to new areas of librarianship. This has highlighted the importance of flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Is there anything you try to keep in mind when pairing mentors and mentees?
While I do my best to match a mentee to their preferences – for example, a student in the dual MASLIS program and who indicates a preference for a mentor who has a dual MASLIS or a student who is interested in a particular area of academic librarianship, such as scholarly communications – we focus on more than just matching areas of expertise. Alignment of goals is key. We want to understand the mentee’s motivation: are they seeking to build confidence, receive career guidance, or learn about an emerging topic in LIS? This is often more important than matching specific job titles or expertise. As such, the goal is to cultivate relationships where both mentors and mentees feel seen, supported, and able to learn from one another.
What are your dreams for the program?
On a practical level, I hope it grows into a sustainable, long-term program that supports every iSchool student who wants mentorship, providing a direct bridge between academic training and professional practice. I envision expanding the pool of mentors to include a broader range of experiences, career paths, and perspectives, ensuring that students from all backgrounds, including underrepresented and marginalized groups, can see themselves reflected in and supported by mentors.
Beyond numbers, I dream of fostering a culture where mentorship becomes an integral part of the UBC Library community, where knowledge sharing, guidance, and encouragement are valued as much as formal instruction, and where students and mentors alike find the experience meaningful. Ultimately, I hope the program not only helps individual mentees achieve their professional goals but also strengthens the field of academic libraries by cultivating leaders who are thoughtful, inclusive, and committed to supporting the next generation of professionals. Pay it forward! Over time, I’d love to see the program serve as a model for other academic library mentorship initiatives across Canada and beyond.
