What is mentoring? Dictionary.com/mentoring defines mentoring as "to serve as a trusted counselor or teacher, especially in occupational settings." In accord with this definition, the UK SLA Student Group has developed a mentoring program to give students the opportunity to receive guidance and support from a Special Library professional.

As with any relationship, what you get out of it will largely depend upon what you put into it. The form your mentoring relationship takes is really up to you and your mentor. With the ready availability of email and other communication tools, keeping in touch with your mentor should not pose too much of a challenge no matter where you or your mentor are physically located. It might be a good idea to keep the following points in mind as you develop your mentoring relationship:

• Set clear goals and objectives based on what you hope to get out of the program.
• Choose a mentor who best matches those goals and objectives.
• Set the parameters of your mentoring relationship being clear about the amount of time and effort you are willing or able to spend.
• Be prepared to give as much as you get, and expect the unexpected.

Mentoring provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about your future profession from the inside and will aid in rounding out your education. Take advantage of this experience by contacting Mentoring Program Coordinator Julene Jones at (juleneh@hotmail.com). Julene can tell you more about the program and its operations, and is always available if you have any questions or comments.