Volunteer Policy


1. Rationale

The Volunteer Program of the Mecklenburg County Public Library creates opportunities for individuals to feel personal satisfaction while performing a valuable service for the community; serves as a method for area residents to become familiar with the library; supplements the efforts of paid library staff.
2. Definition

A volunteer is a person who performs tasks for the Mecklenburg County Public Library without wages, benefits, or compensation (including travel expenses) of any kind. Volunteers do not replace paid staff, but enhance and extend their services.

Examples:

  • Individuals desiring to assist the library in its service to the public.
  •  Individuals performing under Community Service Orders
  •  Students required to perform community service as an educational requirement.
  • Work programs provided by community health and social service agencies
    3. Policy
  • Volunteers are recognized as contributors to the accomplishment of the mission of the Mecklenburg County Public Library.
  • The Library shall take steps to ensure the liability coverage has been obtained.
  • Each volunteer shall be made aware of the Library's rules and expectations.
  • Volunteers shall not replace paid staff.
  • Each volunteer shall perform duties in the Library in the presence of at least one paid staff member or one member of the Board.
  • In the event of an opening for paid position, volunteers who apply for the position shall be treated and evaluated on the same basis as all other external applicants.
  • Volunteers must be covered by their own vehicle insurance where their volunteer activity involves the use of a vehicle and are liable for their own parking tickets or fines related to driving offenses.
  • Volunteers will not be covered by the library for workers’ compensation or automobile coverage.
    4. Procedures
  • Senior staff or Board identifies opportunities for volunteer placements.
  • All volunteers are registered by completing an application form.
  • The relevant department head will conduct an interview and recommend action.
  • Volunteers will receive regular feedback on their contribution to the organization.
  • Volunteers will be assigned tasks commensurate with their skills and interests.\
    5. Samples Tasks That May Be Performed By Volunteers
  • Shelving and circulation desk activities
  • Shelf reading
  • Special projects with a determined time frame (e.g. fund raisers, book sales)
  • Administrative functions including photocopying, folding mail outs, displays, crafts, etc.
  • Assist staff with programming activities


Mecklenburg County Public Library
Volunteer Information Form


I am interested in becoming a volunteer at the __________________________________________ branch of the Mecklenburg County Public Library. I have read and agree to abide by the Volunteer Policy of the library. I have the following special interest, skills, or am interested in performing the following tasks for the library.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

I certify that I have never been convicted of a felony.

______________________________________Signature

________________________Date

______________________________________Printed Name

______________________________________Address

______________________________________Address _______________________Phone