Barriers – A Thing of the Past Video: 1943 IndyPL Librarians and Branches 1910 Book Delivery Source: IndyPL Digital Collection

Volunteers: Need ‘em, Get ‘em, Keep ‘em Deb Ehret, MLS Spades Park Branch Manager Wendy Johnson, MPA, CVA Volunteer Resource Specialist

Ice Breaker What is one barrier to engaging volunteers in your library? (No fair repeating )

Barriers – A Thing of the Past I’m already stretched I can do it myself faster than I can explain it They’ll do it wrong Dependability Legal implications – patron records / data entry Volunteer role vs. paid position

Why Volunteers are Important The next level of community engagement Increased circle of influence – word of mouth Volunteers and donations 2/3rds of volunteers donate to the organization Up to 10x more $ Support for staff and patron activities Fresh set of eyes New skills and resources Sources: ServiceLeader.org; Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Volunteerism and Charitable Giving

Today’s Discussion Need ‘em: Creating meaningful opportunities Get ‘em: Recruiting the right volunteer Keep ‘em: Recognizing for retention The Fine Print Disclaimer 1: Any one of these concepts could be a full day’s discussion. We’re going to touch on the highlights. Disclaimer 2: Our focus is on the on-going volunteer. However most of this conversation applies to engaging one-time groups as well.

Need ‘em: Creating meaningful opportunities What would you do (in your library) if time & money were limitless?

Need ‘em: Creating meaningful opportunities Some activity ideas for engaging volunteers Collection Support Program Support Public Computer Support Special Events Paws to Read Minecraft Club Support Computer Class Assistant Maker Space Co-leader

Need ‘em: Creating meaningful opportunities Be Innovative! Project Scoping Tool

Need ‘em: Creating meaningful opportunities IMPORTANT! Volunteer Position Descriptions Tools Sample Developing a Position Description Tool

Get ‘em: Recruiting the Right Volunteer If the shoe fits…

Get ‘em: Recruiting the Right Volunteer Resource lists Where to Look Example General Population Fun Run Targeted Recruitment Music Monday Connected Recruitment Community Partner Closed System Authors Fair Brokered Recruitment VolunteerMatch.com

Get ‘em: Recruiting the Right Volunteer Screening Know what roles you need to fill Have positions defined – Position Descriptions Know your capacity Interview Standard Questions Document Interview Stop the interview at any time

Get ‘em: Recruiting the Right Volunteer Risk Management Background checks Interacting with the patrons Documentation & Records management Terminating a volunteer

Get ‘em: Recruiting the Right Volunteer The point: Don’t Chase Volunteers, give them the opportunity to “self select” Sample screening process & “The Washout” Volunteer Calls / Stops by – You provide information Volunteer Calls – Schedule an interview Interview 1st day / orientation & training

Keep ‘em: Recognizing for Retention When you volunteer, what are your pet peeves?

Keep ‘em: Recognizing for Retention Didn’t need me today Not ready for me Didn’t say “Hi!/Bye!” Didn’t say “Thank you!” Don’t know my name Tasks are meaningless/busy work Ask to stay – “just another hour” No training or leadership “You’re doing it all wrong!” Good night, and good luck

Keep ‘em: Recognizing for Retention Rules for Recognition Give it frequently Give it using a variety of methods Give it honestly Give it to the person, not the work Give it appropriately to the achievement Give it consistently Give it on a timely basis Give it on an individualized basis Give it for what you want more of Source: Corporation for National and Community Service

Keep ‘em: Recognizing for Retention Ideas for recognition Tools Pinterest, too Nat’l Vol Week - April Everyone should help

Summary Barriers of the Past, Ready for the Future Need ‘em Get ‘em Keep ‘em Tools and Resources

Deb Ehret, dehret@IndyPL.org Wendy Johnson, wjohnson@IndyPL.org Questions? Deb Ehret, dehret@IndyPL.org Wendy Johnson, wjohnson@IndyPL.org