Matchmaking : a study of the benefits, barriers and other factors affecting mentoring relationships and mentoring programmes in New Zealand libraries and information centres

Abstract

This research project has attempted to provide indicators as to the nature of recent and current mentoring programmes and relationships in New Zealand libraies and information centres. It has also looked to determine benefits and barriers that are encountered in the matchmaking process and factors that relate to orgaiisational involvement in mentoring. This research project has employed a mixed methods approach, involviig largely quantitative questionnaire responses and in-depth qualitative interviews with key informants. This methodology was adopted to provide rich data from a lumber of sources thus creating triangulated results and allowing a largely untbservable phenomenon to be studied. The findings of this research project were that mentoring progranmes and relationships were characterised by their ability to cater for a wide variet} of mentee needs through flexible practices and adherence to the developmental model of mentoring. The matching of mentoring partners was most advantageous for all involved if a third-party matchmaker was employed to carry out this role, and an organisation's involvement enhanced the success of programmes and relationships if it focused on practical and realistic support for the mentoring participants. It was also suggested that mentoring in New Zealand libraries and information centres was ready to move to the next stage, with a co-ordinated strategy or framework led by the national professional body, the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA).