The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) announced the opening of spring 2014 applications for the ALSC mentoring program. The program is intended to help build a new collection of leaders in the field of library service to children. Applications are now open for both mentors and mentees. The application process ends on Friday, February 28, 2014.

The program lasts one year. Mentee applicants do not need to be ALSC or ALA members. The only requirement is that mentees have some connection to children’s library service. Mentees may be students, early career professionals, individuals returning to the profession, or those who would like to refine their skills, make connections, and learn more about children’s librarianship as a career.

ALSC is making a special call for mentor applications. In the fall 2013, mentee applications outnumbered mentor applications by nearly four to one. Mentor applicants must be ALSC members and should have experience working in the field of children’s librarianship or children’s literature.

Mentors and mentees who apply to the program will be matched by members of the ALSC Membership and Managing Children’s Services Committees. The mentoring program was developed through the hard work of these two committees. ALSC cannot guarantee that every applicant will be matched.

For more information on the ALSC Mentoring Program or to apply, please visit http://www.ala.org/alsc/mentoring.