Cultivating Excellence: The Power of Mentorship in School Libraries

By Terri Harkey

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of school libraries, mentorship stands as one of the most meaningful tools we have - not only for empowering new professionals but also for invigorating seasoned ones. I had a wonderful opportunity this year to mentor over 30 new librarians in Dallas ISD and have seen firsthand how impactful the right guidance can be. Mentorship matters. In our profession, we are often the only librarian on a campus, an island with no one else doing exactly what we do. Mentorship helps bridge that isolation, offering connection, encouragement, and a sense of shared purpose.

Mentorship Isn’t Just Helpful – It’s Transformative

New school librarians often enter the profession brimming with passion but quickly find themselves juggling lesson planning, tech integration, collection development, and more while working to build relationships with staff and students. A mentor provides perspective, practical advice, and, most importantly, reassurance that you are not alone.

But mentorship isn’t just for the mentee. Mentors gain just as much: new insights, fresh energy, and the rewarding experience of helping others succeed.

Mentees Benefit Through:

• Faster confidence-building in navigating library operations and instruction

• Accelerated growth through shared tools, strategies, and troubleshooting

• Support systems that reduce isolation and create professional connection

• Guidance on time management and prioritizing tasks during the busy first years

• Modeling of professional communication, including how to collaborate with teachers, administrators and your community

• Exposure to professional organizations and conferences to expand their network

• Encouragement to reflect, grow and try new things through regular check-ins and feedback

• Motivation to persevere, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainty

• A safe place to ask questions, process mistakes, and celebrate wins

• Help thinking through best practices; whether how to set up the library, how to deal with that unruly class, how to survive being on the specials rotation, or how to host an author visit

Mentors Benefit Through:

• Leadership development and the opportunity to model best practice

• Renewed purpose and energy by seeing the profession through a fresh lens

• Connection to current trends, tools, and new ways of thinking

• Enhanced advocacy, as mentors help shape confident voices for the profession

• Inspiration, often drawn from mentees’ enthusiasm and innovation

• A sense of legacy, knowing that you are contributing to the future of librarianship

Building Stronger Library Communities

Mentorship strengthens not just individuals, but entire school communities. It ensures continuity in library programming, spreads best practices, and cultivates leadership within our profession. Whether it’s a formal district program, a statewide initiative, or a casual peer relationship, mentorship fuels meaningful connections and collective growth.

Want to get started?

If you’re new, seek out a mentor. If you’re experienced, reach out to someone starting out. Share your wins, your mistakes, and your wisdom. Librarianship can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.

Where to find a librarian mentor:

• Many school districts (like Dallas ISD) have formal mentor programs for all new teachers.

• Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) in Texas may also offer mentoring or professional learning networks.

Texas Library Association (TLA)

• Connect with experienced librarians through TASL (Texas Association of School Librarians, a TLA division) and through the American Association of School Librarians.

• Reach out to experienced librarians in your TLA District.

• Attend a TLA event or reach out through a TLA Round Table like the Children’s Round Table or Texas Bluebonnet Award committees.

Library Listservs and Online Communities

• Join professional listservs like LM_NET to connect with veteran librarians open to mentoring.

• Facebook groups like Future Ready Librarians, or TASL Community often have informal mentor/ mentee pairings.

• Connect via TLA Engage, an online community for TLA members.

University Alumni Networks

• If you’re a recent MLS/MLIS graduate, reach out to your program coordinator or professors - they often have alumni eager to support new professionals.

National Organizations

• ALA ( American Library Association), AASL (American Association of School Librarians) and ISTE Librarians Network offer mentorship opportunities, discussion boards, and networking events.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a librarian you admire and ask for guidance. Most experienced librarians are eager to share and support. Let’s build each other up. One conversation at a time.

Terri Harkey is a retired school librarian, Texas Bluebonnet Award Coordinator and Dallas ISD Mentor Librarian.