Mentoring has always been central to how the library profession diversifies and grows – seeing not just what we are, but what we can become when we invest in emerging talent. I came into this mentoring program expecting to work with a protégé toward their goals, and found myself learning as well.
Shom is a talented new professional who impressed me from the start with their thoughtful approach to the complexities of entering the field. In many ways they were more prepared than I was at this stage, and our conversations reminded me how much the profession has evolved, and how much is still possible. One of the things I valued most was talking through the very real decisions they were navigating: weighing job opportunities, understanding the dynamics of interviewing, leveraging their network, and pursuing a career that is both meaningful and financially sustainable. As a more experienced professional, it can be easy to forget how difficult finding one’s path can be after library school. Being a small part of their journey reminded me how much the modern professional landscape has changed — and how much energy and focus it takes to navigate it.
It is also a complex and, at times, uncertain time to be stepping into librarianship. The current political climate weighs heavily on those entering a profession that directly addresses equity and access. That weight is felt most by those who come from, and work alongside, the very communities being targeted. Libraries have always been community anchors, and the people who staff them are often asked to hold space for those under pressure while navigating their own vulnerabilities. Watching Shom approach that reality with clarity and purpose, rather than being discouraged by it, was one of the most inspiring parts of our mentoring partnership. Working with Shom has reaffirmed my confidence in the next generation of librarians and knowing the profession is in good hands.
Bio: Holly Okuhara is an Assistant Library Director and Branch Manager at the Weber County Library System in Utah, where she has worked for nearly 20 years. She serves as a Member-at-Large on the Utah Library Association and is an active member of ULA, ALA, and APALA. Holly has written and presented on mentoring and is committed to community impact through volunteer leadership with multiple organizations. She is passionate about equity, community-centered librarianship, and investing in the next generation of library professionals