Volunteers
& Friends (L4L)
Volunteers
Managing
Volunteers [pdf]
Another guide to managing volunteers, this one from Australia for a variety
of service organizations, including libraries. How an issue is organized and
discussed can throw fresh light on the familiar, but not necessarily "perfect" way
that we do it.
energize,
inc.: especially for leaders of volunteers
To get a picture of the variety of resources this website offers click on the Site
Map and explore hot topics, articles, and more. Some of the resources require
subscriptions or payments, but many are free. A comprehensive site on volunteering
in all kinds of settings.
Developing
and Managing Volunteer Programs
A rich variety of information on volunteering from the Management Assistance
Program for Nonprofits organized by topics such as Considerations in Establishing
or Modifying Volunteer Management Systems, Role of Volunteer Managers, Legal
and Risk Considerations, Volunteer Recruitment, and more.
Middleton
Public Library Volunteer Policy
The guidelines in this policy are intended to provide "the framework for an
on-going volunteer recruitment, utilization and appreciation plan." Having
a written policy in place can help avoid miscommunications and hurt feelings.
It is an excellent way to inform volunteers of the expectations the library
has and the privileges volunteering gives them.
Policy
Catalog - Library Volunteers (MA)
More sample policies for volunteers as well as some other useful links including
the Connecticut State Library's Guidelines
for Using Volunteers in Libraries. A couple of the links are broken, unfortunately.
California
Library Volunteers (job descriptions)
This site is designed "to help people who work with library volunteer programs
keep from feeling isolated by helping them to share ideas, materials and problems
-- the electronic way!" The resources
section offers sample volunteer manuals, policy manuals, training materials,
recruitment materials, and forms. If you're planning or redesigning a volunteer
program for your library, this is a great place to start.
Library
Volunteer Opportunities (Mt. Horeb, WI)
A page on Mt. Horeb Public Library's website that provides information on the
value of volunteers to the library, the kinds of tasks they may do, and both
an email address and phone number where people interested in volunteering can
get more information. A good model to consider when designing your library's
volunteer page.
In
Praise of Volunteers
A short article by Marylaine Block that highlights the range of services volunteers
can provide in libraries and includes an interview with Molly Williams, the
volunteer largely responsible for Waterboro
(ME) Public Library's website and blog.
Library
Volunteers: No Dream Team
The problem with volunteers is that they may undercut the public's perception
that trained, well-paid librarians are needed, the author of this article says.
Marylaine Block follows it with a brief "In reaction" statement.
Volunteer
Resources
A bibliography of materials related to volunteers in the library, as well as
a list of websites, some of which are listed here as well. From Columbia County
(FL) Library.
Friends
Friends
of Libraries USA
The national organization for Friends of Libraries is 25 years old, and their
web site has a number of useful resources: good idea of the month, link of
the month, Fact Sheets on organizing and managing a Friends group, just as
examples.
Help
Filling Out Your 501(c)(3) Application
Designed to help new non-profit organizations complete IRS Form 1023, the Application
for Exempt Status Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Be
sure to take a look at the FAQ and Common
Mistakes Made by New 501(c)(3) Organizations. There is also an interesting
chart comparing
501(c) organizations.
Organizing
a Teen Friends Group
One of the Fact Sheets at FOLUSA.
Trustee
Essential #24: Library Friends and Library Foundations
From Wisconsin's handbook for public library trustees, an overview of the role
of Friends, how to develop a good relationship between the library board and
support groups, and financial support from the Friends.
The
Friends of Wisconsin Libraries
The home of the state organization.
Friends
of Kansas Libraries
One of the very best websites from a Friends group. Be sure to look at the
Bylaws and the Helpful Hints.
DeKalb
County Georgia Friends
Another fine example of a Friends page. Particularly noteworthy is the way
in which the site integrates information about the Friends and the library.
Friends
of the Library Projects
A bibliography on Friends groups put together by the Center for the Study of
Rural Librarianship. Alas, the underlined titles are not links.
Supporting public libraries in Outagamie and Waupaca counties