Volunteer Management – You Can Do It!

PaLA - October 4, 2015Wendy McClure, Human Resources Coordinator

Cleve J. Fredricksen Librarywmcclure@ccpa.net

Assess why this was said◦ Is this a one time task◦ Is this and overall expansion of services◦ Is this somewhere in between

Assess who is leading the search◦ Knowable of the organization◦ Enjoys people

“We Need Volunteers”

What are the needs of the library?◦ Listen to the library staff as to their needs◦ * Extra Step: Understand how each department

operates Develop a list of tasks

◦ Determine what day, what time & how often

Starting a Volunteer Program

Volunteer Policies◦ Minimum age◦ Confidentiality policy◦ Parent permission◦ Emergency contact ◦ Background checks

Basic Tools

Develop volunteer handbook◦ Dress code◦ Who to contact if I cannot volunteer◦ Benefits◦ Consequences if benefits are abused

Volunteer Procedures

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.

Next Steps

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.

Hiring the Volunteer

Volunteer Schedule Sample

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

Training

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.

Take a moment in your day

Volunteer Appreciation Event

Volunteer Mission Statement Volunteer Beliefs Volunteer Values

What Next

Each volunteer has a tale to tell Share the story in general terms Watch as your personal story develops

Have Fun!