Library Volunteer Policy

WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER? 

A volunteer is identified as persons who perform duties or tasks for the Library without wages or benefits. Community Service workers shall serve under the same guidelines as other Library volunteers. 

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HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER 

Complete and submit the Volunteer Application Form to the Volunteer Coordinator 

Complete a brief in-person or telephone interview

Request or be selected for a particular job or task

Receive an orientation including a tour of the building, introduction to library staff, and a copy of the volunteer policy 

Receive specific job orientation and training from the supervisor of the department for whom the volunteer is assigned 

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

Not all opportunities are available at all times, however some of the tasks regularly performed by volunteers are: 

Shelve books and other materials - return materials to their proper place

Dust books and shelves - keep shelves neat and in order

Assist with programs - pass out programs, assist with crowd control, helpchildren with projects 

Assist Technical Services Department with cleaning books or preparingmaterials for circulation 

Greet people - welcome people to the library

Summer Reading Programs - assist librarians with projects, record keeping

Craft projects and materials needed for youth programs

Garden - Pull weeds and manage the flower beds

Outdoor Projects – sweep or shovel sidewalks(depending on the season)

 

VOLUNTEERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 

Young people ages 11 – 17 may apply to volunteer for the Library in positions for which they are qualified. They must have written parental permission. 

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JOB ORIENTATION AND TRAINING 

The Volunteer Coordinator will provide the following orientation: 

Receive a tour of the building

Be introduced to library staff 

Review the volunteer policy

Review job duties and expectations

Confirm work dates, times, and projected duration of your participation

Review sign-in and sign-out procedures

Provide safety orientation 

Review location of, restrooms, water fountains, and places for storing personal items 

Review policy for making personal phone calls or conducting personalbusiness during volunteer hours 

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SUPERVISION 

Each volunteer will be assigned an on-site supervisor and is expected to follow the procedures established by that staff member. The supervisor is responsible for day- to-day management and guidance of work and is available during the time the volunteer is on duty for consultation and assistance. A well-defined job description will be given to each volunteer outlining the tasks assigned. The supervisor will provide training on new skills needed to perform assigned tasks. The supervisor will discuss the procedures for obtaining, using, and caring for library supplies and equipment. 

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ATTENDANCE 

The Library values the contributions of volunteers and depends on volunteers to be present at scheduled times. Volunteers who know they will be absent or late should notify their supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. 

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REPORTING FOR DUTY, WORK HOURS 

Volunteers must sign–in at the beginning and sign-out upon completion of their shift and report immediately to their supervisor. 

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APPEARANCE 

Volunteers need to present a positive image to the public. It is expected that volunteers dress and grooming will be appropriate for a business environment and in keeping with the work assignment. 

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CUSTOMER SERVICE 

Many volunteers come into contact with library patrons and may well be the first official contact a patron has with the library. It is important, therefore, that volunteers maintain a professional, friendly demeanor at all times. All patron questions other than directional are to be referred to a staff member who is trained to provide informational services for patrons. 

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CONFIDENTAILITY/PRIVACY 

Volunteers are not allowed to sit at public desks or use staff computers. All transactions between library users and staff or volunteers are strictly confidential. Volunteers are required to uphold this policy. This includes any information about materials a patron has looked at, asked for, requested or checked out, as well as reference questions asked by library users. Michigan Public Ace 455 or 1982, the Library Privacy Act (MCL 397.601 – 397.606) stipulates that public library circulation and registration records are confidential. 

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TELEPHONE AND EQUIPMENT USE 

The library is a place of business. Personal telephone calls are prohibited except in the case of an emergency and then must be kept brief and not made at a public desk. Ask a staff member if you need to make a telephone call. Long distance calls are not allowed. Library owned equipment, including copy machines, fax machines, computers, puppets, supplies, and other materials are for Library use only and may not be used for personal business. No equipment or material is to be removed from Library without a written request submitted and approved by the Volunteer Coordinator. 

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HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Safety is everyone’s job. Please notify your supervisor of any injury, whether minor or serious. Notify your supervisor if any assignment is causing you physical discomfort or could lead to personal injury. 

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DRUG FREE WORKPLACE 

Use of alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace is prohibited, as is the abuse of any drug or alcohol or reporting to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Library is a smoke-free building. 

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HARASSMENT 

All volunteers, as well as all library staff, are strictly prohibited from harassing or making improper advances toward another person. This includes unreasonably interfering with a persons work or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Any behavior such as outlined, must be reported to the Director.

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PERFORMANCE REVIEW 

The supervisor will meet with the volunteer regularly to review the job performance. Evaluations may be formal or informal and may be written or verbal. 

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DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES 

Volunteers, in their capacity as unpaid staff, are expected to meet the same standards of professionalism required of library staff. Because an unsatisfactory volunteer is an unfair burden upon fellow volunteers and library employees, those who fail to meet the requirements of the job descriptions or violate library policies are subject to dismissal. 

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LEAVING THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 

To end a volunteer commitment, please notify the Volunteer Coordinator of the decision and the effective date.