The MLA Executive Board could then focus more of its attention on developing networking opportunities. The NELA mentoring program is part of NELA's focus on recruitment to the library profession. Mentors in this program are from all types of libraries. At this point the mentoring program is focusing primarily on pairing graduate students with mentors from the library profession. NELA plans to broaden the scope of the mentoring program to include other interested individuals.
Mentors encourage, listen, answer questions, and develop professional relationships with proteges.
A mentor may attend a professional conference with a protege to ease the fear sometimes associated with attending a conference for the first time and to help make the protege feel welcome at the conference. These are just some examples of what mentors do. Mentoring should play an important role in the Maine library community. Mentoring provides support and encouragement for students enrolled in degree programs. It provides a link to professionals for students who are interested in a professional library career.