Volunteers

Volunteer Policy

Board Policy: 

The Williams County Public Library utilizes the services of volunteers to supplement, and not to replace, the efforts of paid Library staff in meeting demands for quality public service. Volunteers aid the Library in making the best use of its fiscal resources and contribute to sound working relationships with community groups and organizations. Volunteers are expected to act in accordance with Library policies and to exhibit positive customer service behavior with all Library patrons.

Administrative Procedure: 

Guidelines for Volunteers:

  • Volunteers report to, and are supervised by a Manager.
  • Volunteers should notify the library in advance if they are unable to work their regularly scheduled time slot.  In turn, volunteers will be notified immediately on any given day when the library opens late or closes early for any reason.
  • Individuals are asked to wear a volunteer badge that identifies them as a volunteer while they are working at the library.  
  • Volunteers are expected to refer all requests for information to the library staff on duty, other than purely directional questions (e.g. where is the bathroom, where is the children’s room etc.)
  • Volunteers may be required to attend training sessions.
  • Volunteers will make note of time donated on a monthly timesheet.
  • Volunteers may be used to increase the Library’s services.
  • Volunteers may not be used to establish and maintain new library services.
  • Volunteers will not be used to replace or reduce the number of paid staff.
  • Volunteers should expect to fulfill a commitment agreed upon with the Library.
  • Volunteers are recognized as contributors to the goals and services of the library.
  • Volunteers are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of ALL library information.  Failure to maintain confidentiality will result in immediate termination of the volunteer.
  • The Library will, upon request, provide letters of reference for the volunteer, if deemed appropriate.
  • Procedures and requirements for the volunteer will vary with the age of the volunteer.
  • All personal information about the volunteer is for internal use only.
  • Written permission will be needed for any volunteer under the age of 18.
  • Volunteers are subject to the Library’s Employee Code of Conduct.

 

Approved February 2024