Volunteer Policy
In light of the benefits that volunteers can provide to the public library, Wilmington Memorial Library encourages the use of volunteers to enhance its services. The Wilmington Board of Library Trustees endorses the use of volunteers within the following guidelines:- Upon completion of a volunteer application, volunteers are interviewed and selected according to the needs of the library and the skill levels and particular interests of the volunteer candidate.
- Volunteers will not be utilized to fill paid staff positions; their work supplements and does not replace that of paid employees.
- Volunteers work under the administration of the Library Director and supervision of designated librarians.
- Volunteers shall understand that their appearance, demeanor, behavior and productivity reflect upon the image of the library.
- Volunteer work may be subject to review and evaluation, correction and possibly termination in the best interests of the library.
The following lists some of the kinds of tasks volunteers often perform:
- Preparing date due cards
- Shifting books on shelves/cleaning shelves
- Shelf reading
- Cutting out nametags and doing other similar tasks involving cutting and pasting as needed for children's programs.
- Assisting with processing or mending library materials
- Collating
- Shelving books
- Assisting in the presentation of programs
- Assembling materials for programs
- Creating arts and/or crafts items
- Setting up and serving refreshments
- Photocopying
- Dusting
- Straightening
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees
April 25, 2000; Updated January 29, 2008
Pointers for Volunteers
- Record the hours you work in the volunteer log each shift. Each year the library reports the number of hours donated by volunteers.
- Wear your volunteer tag when you are here. This will help the public be aware of your valuable service. It will also help staff to know that you are authorized to be in restricted areas of the library.
- A staff room on the second floor is available for your use.
- Coats and knapsacks can be placed in the staff room. Valuables should be properly secured in an area designated by your supervisor.
- Report to work at your scheduled time. Call your supervisor at 658-2967 if you will not be able to report to work at your scheduled time.
- If a patron asks for help while you are working in public areas of the library, explain that you are a volunteer and that library staff at the Circulation Desk or Reference Desk will be pleased to assist them.
- Please be aware that your appearance, demeanor, behavior and productivity reflect upon the image of the library. What you wear should be appropriate for the work being performed. Extensive socializing with friends during scheduled volunteer time is discouraged.
- By law all patron information is confidential. Please do not reveal any information to anyone.
- Report any injuries immediately to your supervisor or to the librarian in charge.
- Please be aware that your work may be subject to review and evaluation, correction, and possibly termination in the best interest of the library.
- Your volunteer time is appreciated in helping the library offer quality service to all our users.
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