Previous by DateNext by Date Date Index
Previous by ThreadNext 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/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=


LM_NET Mailing List Home