Compass Mentorship Program

The library, archival, and information science fields are built on the foundation of sharing knowledge and making it accessible to all. We know the only way that we can effectively do this is if the knowledge and stories that we share are told from different voices. We must work collectively to ensure our institutions are representing these voices and giving them the power to share their unique knowledge with others.

With this in mind, the School of Information Sciences (SIS) is proud to offer the Compass Mentorship Program. It was created in partnership with Future Librarians for Inclusivity and Diversity student organization to address the need to welcome and retain underrepresented students and professionals in the library, archival, and information science fields.

Homogenous environments in the information field, both in educational programs and in future career positions can sometimes make students with different identities and backgrounds feel undervalued, uncomfortable, and out of place. These circumstances can limit the presence of LIS/IM students and professionals whose diverse perspectives and experiences are essential to the growth of the information science fields and are essential to achieving the goal of spreading accessible knowledge to all.

The Compass Mentorship Program is designed to help these students gain direction with professionals who share similar identities, challenges, and perspectives to help students build confidence when navigating these spaces that do not always reflect or represent their identities. This includes students and professionals who identify as differently abled, on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, and people of color including those who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.

Mentee applications are solicited at least twice a year.

Are you an alumnus interested in being a mentor? Learn more about mentor responsibilities and apply here.

Both students and alumni should contact Kim Schroeder at ag1797@wayne.edu for additional information.

Alumni Industry Mentorship Program

The School of Information Sciences, in collaboration with the Wayne State University Alumni Association, offers the Alumni Industry Mentorship Program to archival students. The program focuses on pairing SIS students with professional archivists to build mutually beneficial mentoring relationships that offer guidance and support to new professionals.

Mentors share information about their own career paths and provide guidance, motivation, and emotional support while also helping students develop a network of contacts within the profession.

Current students and alumni will have the opportunity to meet in person and online in both formal and informal settings. 

Mentee applications are solicited at least twice a year.

Are you an alumnus interested in being a mentor? Learn more about mentor responsibilities and apply here.

Both students and alumni should contact Kim Schroeder at ag1797@wayne.edu for additional information.