VOLUNTEER PROGRAM POLICY

The East Orange Public Library Volunteer Program seeks to assist the Library staff in providing quality library service. Volunteers raise the visibility of the Library in the community by helping to create an awareness and understanding of the Library and its services. Volunteer assistance helps to provide new services and expand present ones.

Volunteers supplement the Library staff, and will not replace staff members.

Volunteers perform varied duties as specified in individual job descriptions developed by Library supervisors.

The East Orange Public Library Volunteer Program is open to persons 16 years of age or older. Persons between the ages of 12 and 16 may volunteer for a limited time, such as 6 months for the summer and for only a specific number of hours per week, as required by their school or other organization, subject to Library approval. Signed parental permission is required for all persons under 18 years of age.

Anyone wishing to volunteer must sign the Waiver Statement included in the Volunteer Application.

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the program. This staff member will interview potential volunteers and provide a brief orientation about the Library and its Volunteer Program. Once a volunteer has been assigned to a particular work area, his/her training becomes the responsibility of that department's supervisor. Periodic evaluations will monitor the progress of both the volunteer and the Program.

The Library attempts to place all those interested in volunteering, however, the Library is unable to guarantee placement in the Volunteer Program.

As with paid employees, there are times when volunteers must be dismissed. Possible reasons for dismissal include undependability, absenteeism, inability to perform assigned tasks and assuming duties not assigned by a supervisor.

The Library and its staff members appreciate that volunteers are giving their own time and effort to assist the East Orange Public Library.

The Volunteer Program operates under the auspices of the East Orange Public Library of Trustees and the Library Director.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 4/04.