A case for purposeful mentorship in research and publishing at a Caribbean academic library

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if academic librarians at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine (STA) Campus, Trinidad and Tobago were receiving mentorship support in academic research and publishing and to ascertain their perceptions of such support. Notable findings from the study offered insights into how academic librarians perceived their research and publishing output as well as the mentorship support received. Most librarians, while confident in their research abilities, felt that their publications' output needed improvement. The inadequate allotment of time throughout the workweek and absence of a structured mentorship style were identified as obstacles. Academic librarians at The UWI STA Campus did receive mentorship support in research and publishing, but a significant number doubted its effectiveness. The authors recognize this as an opportunity to propose a purposeful approach to mentorship in research and publishing to address these shortcomings. Studies from North America, Europe and other regions which explored mentorship and research productivity found evidence of the positive impact of mentorship in these areas. This study, which is the first for the English-speaking Caribbean, examines mentorship support in research and publishing at The UWI STA Campus and recommends a way forward.