When Spencer Naar joined the iSchool's Master of Library and Information Science program remotely during a career transition, he was undecided as to which aspect of librarianship to pursue. Lacking prior experience in libraries, he hoped to gain additional insight into the field. That's when iSTAMP (Student-to-Alumni-Mentorship Program) stepped in, pairing him with a mentor who not only helped him navigate the challenges of his new academic journey but also became a lifelong friend.

"It was invaluable to have a space to continue classroom conversations one-on-one with an experienced librarian,” said Naar ‘23. “My mentor, Johanna Jacobsen Kiciman, provided so much insight into the profession and expanded my understanding of what a career in information science could be. Our discussions covered a breadth of topics and her passion and past experiences really sparked my curiosity in new aspects of the field."

Naar's story is just one example of how iSTAMP bridges the gap between theory and practice by pairing MLIS students with professionals in the field. Now in its fifth year, the program fosters meaningful connections that support students' personal and professional growth. Since its launch in 2019, iSTAMP has matched more than 250 students with mentors, creating a community that extends far beyond the classroom.

The idea for a mentorship program specific to MLIS students came about in discussions between faculty and student representatives in the Program Committee. The co-founders of iSTAMP, both MLIS students at the time, were Sam Buechler ‘20 and Dovi Mae Patiño-Liu ‘20. 

“We felt there was a need for formal mentorship in the program,” said Buechler, now a Library Director at Washington State University, Vancouver. “As an online student, I felt I had little control over the program and little input in many ways, so being able to directly impact one gap that was present at the time felt really meaningful.”

iSTAMP has continued to grow each year, connecting students with mentors from across the country. The program prioritizes forming matches based on the individual needs and interests of students, whether they seek an identity-based match or someone in a specific career path. In addition to iSTAMP, the iSchool also offers the iMentorship program, which connects Informatics and MSIM students with mentors, further expanding the school's commitment to student support and professional development.

“From the start, we knew we wanted this program to focus on DEI and program retention,” said teaching professor and iSTAMP faculty advisor Helene Williams. “We have had many students tell us they have stayed in the MLIS program because of their mentor, despite the obstacles they encountered in their academic journey. This program has led to the formation of some great friendships and provided fieldwork opportunities for students.”

For Naar, now a Digital Asset Librarian at Arthrex, iSTAMP offered crucial guidance and support during his transition into the MLIS program. Three years later, he and his mentor still keep in touch, and their connection has blossomed into a meaningful friendship.

iSTAMP also offers a valuable learning experience for alumni mentors.

“I decided to become involved with iSTAMP as a mentor because I deeply enjoy working with learners, and I wanted to nurture connections with current students as a way to give back to the iSchool and stay current in the field, all of which has been incredibly rewarding,” said Jacobsen Kiciman, MLIS ‘17 alum and Head of Research Services at UW Tacoma Library. She has mentored Naar and two other MLIS students over the past three years. “I’ve learned as much if not more from my mentees as they did from me.”

“This type of program didn’t exist when I was a student,” Jacobsen Kiciman added. “The ability to understand a profession in an environment that feels relational and safe makes a big difference when you’re starting your career.”

Throughout the year, iSTAMP facilitates program check-ins and gathers feedback from alumni-mentor pairs to ensure the program aligns with student needs and continues to improve.

“One of my favorite things was the feedback students would give about their mentor in the anonymous feedback forms,” said iSTAMP program coordinator and recent MLIS graduate Lex Van Horn ‘24. “We’d always get comments like, ‘My person was amazing, and I love them so much, and I want to keep talking with them.’ And those were always so much fun to get because we helped make the connection happen.”

iSTAMP requires students to fill out an application to provide the best possible match in terms of career goals, identity, networking needs, and more.

“I can't imagine my MLIS program without the mentorship program,” said Naar. "I really recommend mentorship for everyone. And I hope incoming and returning students will apply and participate."

To become a mentor for 2024-25, fill out this survey by Sept. 10. If you have questions, reach out to the student iSTAMP coordinators at istamp@uw.edu.