Previous by Date | Next by Date | Date Index
Previous by Thread | Next by Thread
| Thread Index
| LM_NET
Archive
| |
Dear LM_NET Here is my original request* and some of the first replies I have received regarding a manual for volunteer workers. There are some great ideas here. I am still in the process of compiling my manual but here is a brief outline of what I have so far. I have yet to incorporate some of the great suggestions listed in the replies. *Marjorie Pettersen 08/29/02 10:18PM >>> I am looking for ideas on things to include in a manual for volunteer workers. I will post a HIT of the suggestions I received and also share my finished product will others who are interested. Part I: Manual for Media Center Volunteers Introduction Index Circulation procedures and rules Circulation OUT Circulation IN Circulation: Special messages Computer error messages Shelving books Shelf reading New books for display Helping students Photocopying Phone messages Lamination Binding books Part II: Manual for Media Assistant Starting computers Using computers Shutting down computers Repairing Books Processing Books (More information to be included) Please feel free to send me an email if you are interested in seeing the draft of this document. Margie Pettersen Controller53@excite.com Here are the replies I have received so far. Thank you to all who contributed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reply 1: With 760 students and no paid help I am always looking for ways to get and keep volunteers. We are having a media center volunteer breakfast with coffee and pastries next week. I made a powerpoint of nice neat shelves (before school opens), then children filling the library, in line to check out, pictures of the overflowing check in box, laminating piled up to do and other sundry jobs, then I will end with very well used (messed up) shelves and the last shot is several kids, smiling with books in their hands. I also have a volunteer form they fill out which includes birthdays and email addresses so I can hopefully recognize their birthdays and send them little messages once in a while. I made a brochure all students took home which listed the needed jobs volunteers could do and I've heard from many parents about that. A manual sounds like a great idea to give them. I think I would include a map of the library, instructions for shelving plus all the special shelving instructions for our library, my philosophy on library use, a little bit about myself (so they know I was a classroom teacher, too, with a master's degree). -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reply 2: Several suggestions for volunteer manual ideas: 1.Forms to be filled out that specify exactly what the volunteer is to do. These should be kept in a specific place so someone can begin their tasks without having to interrupt teaching each time they come in to volunteer. 2. A policy to follow in case the volunteer or volunteer coordinator should have issues that need to be resolved. Having a written policy will lead to quicker resolution of conflict. 3.A map of the library and any related resource rooms (AV, electronic access, etc.) Again, staff won't have to be interrupted for routine questions. 4. If volunteers are helping at the checkout desk, a written list of procedures to check books in and out. 5. If volunteers are helping with electronic reference, a copy of your school's acceptable computer use policy. They shouldn't be shy about making certain the person wanting to use the computer has read and signed the policy. 6. Written procedures to follow in case books are damaged when returned or a patron claims a book is lost. 7. You might want to have a loose form of 'contract' to be signed by the student and yourself (or whomever is overseeing the student's work) that spells out expectations, especially for when and how long the worker is expected to help in the library. More information in Part II Marjorie Pettersen Library Media Specialist East School 215 Hogan Drive Torrington, CT 06790 860-489-2347 controller53@excite.com ------------------------------------------------ Changed your e-mail? Keep your contacts! Use this free e-mail change of address service from Return Path. Register now! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-= All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law. To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST, etc.) send email to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST 4) SET LM_NET MAIL * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv. For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/ Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.shtml See also EL-Announce for announcements from library media vendors: http://www.mindspring.com/~el-announce/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=