BUDDY PROGRAM – PILOT PROGRAM
Purpose: To provide new library employees with a means to feel welcomed, and get to know the library, campus, and community.
The Buddy Program is strictly voluntary for both new employees and buddies.
Buddies
Can be any librarian or staff member who has been here for at least 1 year
Cannot be a supervisor or administrator
One buddy per new employee
A buddy is NOT a mentor or a replacement for a supervisor
Buddy Coordinator(s)
Points of contact for the program
Responsible for holding 2 meetings with all participants in the program – once approximately 4 months in, and once approximately 8 months into the program. These meetings will provide an opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions, let us know how it's going.
Coordinators will maintain the Buddy Program Google Sign-Up Sheet
Outline
The buddy will send out a welcome email to the new employee
Buddy and new employee will establish contact preferences, meeting cadence, and format
The buddy will set up a 20- 30-minute “coffee chat” either via Zoom or in-person (Need a conversation starter? Here are some examples of ice-breakers.)
First 4 Months
At least 2 meetings
At least one activity (e.g. MU event, MU skating, etc.).
Next 4 Months
At least 2 meetings
At least one activity (e.g. MU event, MU skating, etc..).
Last 4 Months
At least one meeting. Activity optional
At end of 12 months, a survey will be distributed to both buddy and new employee to assess the pilot program (details TBD)