REAL OR SUBTLE: THE MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE OF UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST LIBRARY STAFF

As a concept that is seen differently by different people, mentoring or coaching or grooming has now become an indispensable tool in the human resource development of many organizations. Considering the strategic role the library plays in supporting the teaching, learning and research needs of the University of Cape Coast, it is very significant to assess the mentorship experience of junior and middle-level workforce of the library. Using the descriptive survey method, the study engaged 107 respondents through questionnaire and interviews. It emerged from the study that even though there is no formal mentorship program for staff, there was an existing informal mentoring of staff by their own chosen mentors, with experience and trust being key in the selection of such mentors. Accordingly, respondents had made progress in decision-making, personal growth and development, job delivery and above all, have been able to also mentor other library staff. The study therefore recommends a blended highly structured short-term apprenticeship model of mentoring in the wake of the informal scheme. There is the urgent need for the library management to progressively guide employees on the various windows of opportunity for staff to grow in the profession. Above all, the library administration as well as employees should deem it a mutual duty to increase the participation in the numerous Ghana Library Association programmes to build their capacity