Virtual Peer Mentoring Programs: Building Global Professional Connections Through the International Librarians Network

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the International Librarians Network (ILN) peer-mentoring program and the opportunities it provided to build a global professional network. The chapter will be of interest to librarians who are interested in expanding their network internationally while developing as professionals through a well-run, informal, virtual peer-mentoring program. We will present a case study of our experience as ILN program participants in spring 2016. Our aim is to explore the effectiveness of the ILN program, in part to determine how long-distance peer-mentoring programs like these can help build international connections between libraries and librarians and contribute to our professional development.