Standards and Requirements
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- be capable of making a useful contribution to the library
- be in reasonable good health with good eyesight
- submit a written application on application form
- have an interview with Volunteer Services Coordinator
Teen Volunteers
The Volunteer Services Department welcomes teen volunteers into
the program. Volunteering encourages responsibility and pride within
the individual and often opens up a whole new world. Teens receive
the added bonus of exposure to careers and experience that might
not otherwise be available to them. The library is happy to offer
letters of reference to prospective employers and college admission
offices, explaining the services given to the library by teen volunteers.
Their experiences can teach them commitment to responsibility, interpersonal
relationships, communication and the reward of helping others. Parental
permission must be given before a teen may volunteer.
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Volunteer
Positions
Once you are accepted into the program, the Volunteer Services
Coordinator will assign a specific job to you. Scheduling
will generally be handled by the department supervisor to
whom you are assigned. Problems regarding scheduling may be
discussed with the department supervisor or the Volunteer
Services Coordinator. As part of your department's team, it
is important that you handle scheduling needs in your assigned
department whenever possible. |
Expectations of the Volunteer
- to be given a suitable assignment
- to receive on-the-job training
- to have the option of a variety of experiences
- to feel free to make suggestions
- to be recognized for services provided
- to be treated as a coworker, not just free help
Expectations of the Library
- to fulfill attendance commitments
- to call in advance when unable to report to work
- to approach assignments with eagerness and sincerity
- to complete assignments according to direction
- to have respect for library policies, staff and patrons
Benefits
As a volunteer, you will receive:
- a handbook to answer your general questions
- complete orientation and on-the job training
- IRS credit for mileage or transportation cost and/or parking
expenses
- pride in a job well done
- challenging work
- increased responsibility and achievement
- new friends
- use of staff room for breaks
- possibility of acquiring new skills
- job references/college recommendations
- the satisfaction of having made an important and useful contribution
- forgiveness of fines (individual volunteer only)
- volunteer service recognition
Fines on Overdue Materials
Volunteers will not have to pay fines on materials
kept overdue while they are actively volunteering at the Mansfield/Richland
County Public Library. Volunteers are asked to return the materials
within a reasonable amount of time.
Volunteer Recognition
The staff at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library is grateful
for the generous gift of time and talent that you share with us
when you volunteer. To show our appreciation, a Volunteer Recognition
Dinner is planned during National Volunteer Week in the spring
each year. All active volunteers are sent an invitation.
The 100 Hour Club
Another form of recognition for our volunteers is the 100 Hour
Club. Once a volunteer has acquired 100 hours of volunteer work
he or she is automatically a member of the 100 Hour Club. For
every 100 hours of donated time, a bookplate is mounted in a book
reflecting an area of interest to the volunteer. The accumulation
of hours for this recognition program started in January 1994.
