The purpose of this study was to develop a model of a mentoring program for first year media specialists by exploring existing examples. Qualitative methods were employed in conducting this research. A document review was undertaken to establish accepted mentoring program guidelines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with coordinators of media programs in three large school systems to define the programs they have in place. A survey of first year media specialists who participated in the mentoring programs of the three school systems studied was distributed to find out if the missions of the mentoring programs were successfully fulfilled and to see if they had any suggestions for improvement. The data were analyzed using the computer software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The majority of first year media specialists agreed that the mentoring program they participated in was a valuable experience that helped them through their initial year. Selecting appropriate mentors who would unselfishly share their time from a pool of experienced school media specialists was vital to the success of the program and the assimilation of the "mentee" into the profession and the community. Those who did not agree that their mentor gave them the support they needed rarely or never communicated with their mentor. Possible problems could be overcome by communicating expectations of both mentors and "mentees" in an orientation session. Of the 22 surveys returned, 11 respondents agreed that they would have called on their mentor for assistance more often if they knew that the mentor was being paid to help them. Administrators of mentoring programs should consider some means of recompense, particularly if meetings are held beyond regular school hours. Stipends and/or staff development credit could be awarded. As a result of this study, a model for a mentoring program for first year media specialists is offered. Appendices include survey forms, sample transcript from interview with county coordinators, and comments written on the survey. (Contains 24 references.) (Author/AEF)