Library Volunteers
Library Volunteer Policy
Highlights
Purpose
Library volunteers support and enhance the work of Cumberland County Library System staff, enriching the Library System’s programs and services. Volunteers also aid the Library System in making the best use of its fiscal resources and in contributing to sound working relationships with other community groups and organizations. The purpose of the Cumberland County Library System’s Library Volunteer Policy is to protect the rights and safety of library customers, staff and volunteers as well as to preserve and protect the Library System’s materials, facilities and property.
Definition
For the purpose of this policy, library volunteer is defined as an individual who assists with work done at the Cumberland County Library System administrative office or its member libraries, without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered, except for reimbursement of expenses, reasonable benefits, and nominal fees, or a combination thereof and is supervised by library staff.
Guidelines for Volunteer Screening and Placement
- The Library System and its member libraries welcome volunteer applicants. Volunteers age 17 and under must have written permission from a parent or guardian.
- Volunteers are placed in positions best suited to their skills, interests and availability. The Library System is not able to guarantee a position for each prospective volunteer. Volunteer placement is based on the:
- Qualifications of volunteer applicants
- Needs of the Library System at any given time
- Volunteer's ability to commit to a consistent schedule of hours, and
- Availability of staff time to supervise volunteers.
Volunteer Application and Interview Required
- All Library Volunteer applicants must complete a Volunteer Application Form and provide references from two adults who are not related to the applicant.
- Applicants are interviewed for possible placement. If there are no suitable volunteer opportunities available immediately, application forms will be kept on file for a period of six months. Applicants are called if a project is identified which matches their interests and qualifications.
Background Checks
- Volunteers must be willing to submit to criminal and child abuse background checks before placement. All volunteers are screened prior to placement via standard criminal registries (such as the Pennsylvania Megan's Law Sex Offender Registry and the National Sex Offender Public Registry). Prospective volunteers listed on standard criminal registries shall not be placed for volunteer work.
This policy is subject to change at any time without notice. Updates to the policy may be obtained from the Library System..
Page reviewed July 20, 2011