LCL Volunteer Policy

Purpose:

The Lansing Community Library (the “Library”) strives to provide quality public service.  Volunteers offer a special set of skills and commitment which enable the Library to best serve the community. 

Definition of a Volunteer 

A volunteer is any individual who contributes time, energy, and talents in support of the Library and is not compensated for this service.  Different age ranges for volunteers exist and volunteers must be at least 13 years old.  All prospective volunteers must complete an application form and an informal interview conducted by the Library Director or their designee prior to participation.

Volunteer Categories

Teen Volunteer (13-17 years old)

1. Shelving books, DVDs and other Library items.
2. Maintaining the order of items on shelves.
3. Assisting with the preparation of materials for craft projects.
4. Assisting with children’s programming before, during and/or after programming.
5. Assisting with the Summer Reading Program.
6. Preparing library materials for circulation.
7. Other duties as needed.

Adult Volunteer (18+ years old)

1. Shelving books, DVDs and other Library items.
2. Maintaining the order of items on shelves.
3. Assisting with the preparation of materials for craft projects.
4. Assisting with children’s programming before, during and/or after programming.
5. Preparing library materials for circulation.
6. Assisting with the Summer Reading Program.
7. Partnering with a library staff member to provide outreach services.
8. Gathering, sorting, and preparing library materials for distribution to other NEXT libraries.
9. Special Projects and other duties as needed.

All volunteers must be accepted into the Library’s volunteer program by the Library Director or their designee prior to performance of assigned tasks.

How to Become a Volunteer

Individuals interested in volunteering must complete an application.  Applications may be picked up at the circulation desk at the Library; a PDF version may be found at the Library’s website.  Upon receipt of a complete application, Library staff will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities and schedule an interview appointment. 

The Lansing Community Library has absolute authority to deny a volunteer application; however, the Library shall not approve or deny the application of a volunteer on the basis of sex, national origin, religion, race, color or disability pursuant to State or Federal statute. 

Volunteers over the age of 18 may be subject to a criminal records search and background check (at the expense of the Library). 

If the Library does not have activities/projects that match a volunteer’s interests at the time of application, the applicant will be notified and the application will be kept on file for one (1) year. 

Volunteer Guidelines

The Library’s guidelines for volunteering are as follows:

1. Attendance
2. Once a volunteer has chosen a work schedule, it is expected that he/she will be available at the agreed-upon time.  If you must miss a volunteer session, please notify a staff member as soon as possible.
3. If three (3) absences occur without notification, the benefit of a written reference letter may be revoked.
4. Please be prompt and consistent.  We rely on you to do the tasks assigned to you, and if you cannot be here, we may need to make other arrangements.

Confidential Information 

Patron records are confidential in nature.  Only select volunteers may have access to patron records in the course of completing their duties, as determined by the Library Director.  No one is permitted to remove or make copies of any records, reports or documents from the Library.

Customer Service

Volunteers come into contact with Library patrons and may be the first official contact a patron has with the Library.  It is important, therefore, that volunteers maintain a professional, friendly demeanor at all times.

All patron questions other than directional are to be referred to a staff member who is trained to provide informational services to patrons. 

Disciplinary Procedures

Volunteers, in their capacity as unpaid staff, are expected to meet the same standards of professionalism required of Library staff.  Volunteers who display poor attendance and/or work effort, violate Library policies, or violate city, local, state or federal law while working at the Library are subject to dismissal.

Furthermore, volunteers serve at will and agree that the Library may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the Library, or to make changes in the nature of their volunteer assignment.

Dress Code

Volunteers should wear casual, comfortable clothing.  We ask that your attire be neat and conservative.  Teen volunteers should follow the public school dress code. 

Drug Free Workplace

The use of alcohol or illegal drugs at the Library is prohibited.  Reporting to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.  The Library is a smoke-free building.

Emergency Procedures

Volunteers are to immediately report every job-related injury, regardless of severity, to the Library Director.

In case of a fire alarm, all persons should proceed to the nearest exit.  In case of a tornado alarm, all persons should proceed to the nearest tornado shelter.

Facilities

Volunteers will be issued name tags which should be worn at all times when representing Lansing Community Library.

Harassment

All volunteers, employees, and supervisors – both male and female – are strictly prohibited from sexually harassing or making improper advances towards other volunteers, patrons, employees, or supervisors.  Sexual harassment includes unwelcome or unsolicited verbal, physical, or sexual conduct that is made a term of condition of service or employment, is used as the basis of employment or advancement decision, or has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with work or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.  Any such behavior must be reported to the Library Director or the City Administrator.  For more details, please refer to the City of Lansing’s sexual harassment policy.

Teen and adult volunteers must watch a short video on sexual harassment and sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the City of Lansing’s sexual harassment policy.

Inclement Weather

City Hall determines “open” vs. “closed” status during inclement weather and the Library will follow City policies accordingly.  As long as electricity and an internet connection are available, closures will be posted on the Library website and the Library’s Facebook page. 

Recording Hours

It is important for volunteers to sign in and out each time they report for work.  Accurate and up-to-date records provide useful information for volunteer recognition, budget purposes and program promotion.  Volunteer hours accumulated in training will be included in your service hours.  Volunteers working in the Library should sign in and out at the volunteer station.

Please note, the Library does not accept court-ordered community service applicants. 

Telephone Calls

 Please avoid personal telephone calls, visits, or other interruptions while volunteering.  No volunteer shall make a long distance personal call that would be billed to the Library. 

Use of Equipment

Library-owned equipment, including copy machines, computers, supplies, and other materials are for Library-use only and may not be used for personal business.

No equipment or material is to be removed from the Library.

PREPARED BY:                                             

/s/___Terri Wojtalewicz_______                                

Library Director  

Revised:  September 2014, January 2017. March 2018, September 2018                                                                

END OF POLICY STATEMENT