Mentorship in Motion: Growing Library Careers
Indianapolis Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Indianapolis Public Library’s Career Development Program and Mentorship Program help staff build the skills and confidence needed to advance into leadership roles. Staff who participate in the Career Development Program meet with a panel of experienced internal leaders who provide personalized guidance to help them make informed career decisions based on Indianapolis Public Library policies and procedures, and their individual strengths. The Mentorship Program fosters long-term growth and connection by pairing staff with mentors who are just a few career steps ahead, offering practical support as mentees develop and pursue their career plans. Chris Hogsett, Manager, Kid and Teen Central shared, "To me, the program has been my gateway to becoming the current manager of The Learning Curve."
Challenge/Opportunity
In a large urban library system, it’s understandable that career paths to leadership can feel unclear, leaving staff unsure how to develop the skills and experiences needed to advance beyond their current branch, department, or role. By formalizing processes that provide a safe space for employees to share goals, ask questions, and connect with dedicated mentors, we unlock the potential of our internal talent pool.
The Indianapolis Public Library’s Career Development Program and Mentorship Programs offer:
• Clear guidance, training, and support
• On-the-clock time to meet with leaders and build skills
• Transparency and training about hiring policies and procedures
This approach ensures staff are prepared to pursue opportunities when they arise, turning potential into process and creating a strong pipeline of talent from within.
Key Elements of Innovation
• Career Development Program
o Offered twice a year to staff with at least six months of service
o Provides a panel of leaders to guide participants through career path exploration and offer personalized advice, resulting in a formal Individual Development Plan
o Expanded in Spring 2025 to include resume, interview, and employee branding training, ensuring participants leave with a clear understanding of the library’s hiring processes and policies.
• Mentorship Program
o Offers on-the-clock, structured opportunities such as:
- Shadowing employees in other departments
- Gaining hands-on experience exploring new skills
- Quick chats with a mentor to guide professional growth; a safe space to ask questions
o All staff have access to the mentorship platform and can apply to be matched with an available mentor
Achieved Outcomes
• The Career Development Program (CDP) helps participants chart and initiate the big-picture goals of their careers. The Mentorship Program provides one-on-one guidance in taking the next steps toward those goals
• Participation: 49 staff members have completed the CDP
• Impact: Anonymous surveys show that 80% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience in the program
• Participant Feedback
o "It really helped my strategy, which was to earn IT certifications so I would be ready the next time the library is hiring for IT. What sets this program apart from others I’ve been in is that there are a lot more hands-on opportunities, and you really get to provide input on what you want out of the program." - Jeremy Stanish, Network PC Technician, IT
• These programs have strengthened our internal talent pipeline, empowered staff to explore career opportunities confidently, and fostered a culture of growth, mentorship, and professional development across the library.
