Tag Archives: peer

International Librarians Network (ILN) peer mentoring program by Kate Byrne, Clare McKenzie, Alyson Dalby.

The International Librarians Network (ILN) peer mentoring program is a facilitated program aimed at helping librarians develop international networks. We believe that innovation and inspiration can cross borders, and that spreading our networks beyond our home countries can make us better at what we do.

Participants in the program are matched with others outside their country, based on the information they provide to the program coordinators. Partnerships are made for a fixed term, and during this period the partnerships are supported by regular contact and discussion points led by the program coordinators. Supported partnerships have an end date, however it is our vision that participants would develop a widening network of on-going, independent professional relationships.

The vision for the International Librarians Network is that it will be run by volunteers all around the world. Currently, the International Librarians Network is in a pilot phase with sign-ups for the pilot round closing on the 15th of February 2013. The response so far has been terrific. In under three weeks since the soft launch, 55 participants signed up from 11 countries, whilst the website has received nearly 3000 views from 37 countries across 6 continents.  The aims of the pilot are to test the model for both its effectiveness and sustainability before launching a full round following the 2013 IFLA WLIC. Welcoming participants from any type of library and any point in their career, the program is keen to attract librarians from as many different parts of the world as possible to give it a true international flavour and ensure a widespread sharing of ideas. Much more information about the program, including how to get involved, can be obtained from on the program website – see http://ilnetwork.wordpress.com/