December 12, 2024
New in 2025: the LPC Connections Program
By Stefanie Buck
The 2025 Library Publishing Coalition Peer Mentorship Program is commencing under a new name: the LPC Connections Program. Historically, the LPC Peer Mentorship Program has facilitated two individuals working together, exchanging knowledge, and sharing their expertise and insights. Initially conceived as a traditional mentorship program where one individual “mentors” another, it was restructured in 2019 to a peer-mentorship model. This revised structure allowed for two individuals to meet regularly, learn from each other, and foster an orientation to the LPC, promoting relationship-building and active involvement.
The activities in 2024 included an official kick-off meeting, mid-year evaluations, a list of useful discussion prompts, regular meetings between pairs, and a year-end review. While the feedback from last year has been overwhelmingly positive, participants also expressed interest in interacting with more than one mentor. Given our community’s wealth of expertise, expanding these interactions seems beneficial.
Consequently, the LPC Professional Development Committee has decided to refresh the program structure by rebranding the program as LPC Connections. Here is the plan:
Instead of assigning a single mentor for a year, participants will connect with various knowledgeable individuals from across the LPC. Each month, a new match will be assigned. Participants will meet, discuss, and learn from each other with the help of provided discussion prompts, and the process will repeat with a new match the following month.
Interested in joining the Connection program in 2025? (It’s a rhetorical question. We know you are.) Then please apply now and join the fun!
Timeline for the 2025 cycle:
- Applications are out now! We are accepting applications through January 12, and we’ll send out regular reminders.
- The list of participants and rotation schedule will be shared so you can get to know your Connection before meeting up. You and your Connection can schedule a meeting time that works for you both.
- The LPC Professional Development Committee will provide you with prompts to help jump-start the conversation, but you are welcome to delve into any topic that interests you both. We image that meeting will be anywhere from 30-60 minutes. It’s flexible.
- Library Publishing Forum 2025 is May 5-8 (Virtual). Let’s meet up!
- Mid-year and end of year feedback opportunities will be available so if you have ideas or thoughts, we’re always open to feedback.
As this is a pilot initiative, we are eagerly seeking feedback from participants on the new model and any potential areas for improvement. Opportunities for providing feedback will be available throughout the program.
LPC Professional Development Committee
Anna Dimoula, University of Miami (co-chair)
Adam Mazel, Indiana University (co-chair)
Kristina Bloch, University of Louisville
Stefanie Buck, Oregon State University
Patti Sherbaniuk, University of Alberta
Anne Sticksel, Northwestern University