A mentor who is helping an organization start up a new library should clarify various issues. If these matters are not clarified, then the mentor will fail - no matter how good he is. He will then be blamed for the failure or inadequacy of the library.

Start by clarifying the vision statement of the funding agent - the people who will pay your salary. Determine whether you can meet those requirements before accepting the job.

Money, or your salary, is less of an issue here. Remember that you will look bad if you fail. If the institution;s vision statement is not clear, then you will fail.

Of course, you can develop a vision statement together with your employer and help them reach a compromise that you and they can live with. However, this must be done before you begin your work.

You may feel that you will risk losing the job because you cannot accept their vague terms, or because their vision statement is unreasonable. Therefore, do consider the following.

1. It is not wise to take a job that you cannot fulfill. It may be just as bad to fail.
2. You will seem like a professional if you insist upon a vision statement that will help you and your employer reach a joint understanding.
3. By developing a vision, everybody understands where they stand without misunderstandings the job will ultimately be more successful.

Answer all of the following questions before creating the vision statement:

1. It should include the type of library (special library? school? public?). Be as specific as possible.
2. Which people will use the library?
3. Who will be allowed to borrow books? Under what conditions? Which books?
4. Who is in charge of acquisitions?
5. Who is ultimately responsible for the collection?
6. Who makes decisions about library policy?
7. Who selects the software?
8. Who selects the books?
9. Who approves the selections?

Granted, the vision statement may change and be modified as time goes on based on changing circumstances. However, you need to have a basis for understanding what to expect of the institution, and what the institution expects of you.

Different libraries develop in different ways, and you need to organize your library based on the vision statement of the library.