PaLA - October 4, 2015
Wendy McClure, Human Resources Coordinator
Cleve J. Fredricksen Library
[email protected]
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Assess why this was said
◦ Is this a one time task
◦ Is this and overall expansion of services
◦ Is this somewhere in between
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Assess who is leading the search
◦ Knowable of the organization
◦ Enjoys people
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What are the needs of the library?
◦ Listen to the library staff as to their needs
◦ * Extra Step: Understand how each department
operates
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Develop a list of tasks
◦ Determine what day, what time & how often
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Volunteer Policies
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Minimum age
Confidentiality policy
Parent permission
Emergency contact
Background checks
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Develop volunteer handbook
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Dress code
Who to contact if I cannot volunteer
Benefits
Consequences if benefits are abused
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Create a volunteer application
Create a tracking system to record time and
contact information
Create a job description
Develop standard interview questions
◦ “When you walk into the library, where is the first
place you go?” This tells you what the person
enjoys.
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Determine:
◦ Who will interview the volunteer
◦ Who will train the volunteer
◦ Who will schedule the volunteer
* Hint: It is easier to have a list of possible
tasks when you meet with the volunteer.
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Volunteers have different learning styles
Take time to explain using non library terms
such as ILL
Write up instructions so the volunteer has
something to look over when you leave
Keep checking on the volunteer. Let them
know it is OK to ask questions
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Take just a few moments in your day to chat
with the volunteer. They feel appreciated.
They also fill you in on ideas to improve or
problems they had during their time
volunteering that day. (It really is an informal
review every shift.)
Arrange an event to honor your volunteers.
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Volunteer Mission Statement
Volunteer Beliefs
Volunteer Values
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Each volunteer has a tale to tell
Share the story in general terms
Watch as your personal story develops