Electronic mentoring and academic librarians: a case study

The article discusses the results of a study which evaluated the pilot electronic mentoring (e-mentoring) project for academic librarians implemented at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The project was set up in order to identify attitudes to e-mentoring; elements of a suitable online architecture; and hurdles to implementing such a programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The goals of e-mentoring were to provide support to colleagues in their research; to facilitate mutual learning; and to build a sense of community. Findings revealed that time was a major constraint in the programme and participants felt the realization of established goals was limited. The paper also discusses the research skills which academic librarians can develop by participating in e-mentoring. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]