Hunterdon County Historical Society BUILDING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM AT A SMALL REPOSITORY
Backlog Lack of access Institutional Control Small budgets Low funding opportunities Community interest WHY VOLUNTEERS?
Objections to volunteer work at Archives: Devaluation of archival education Mishandling of historically important materials Perpetuation of unprofessional practices Unpaid internships Diminishing availability of archival jobs VOLUNTEERS – HELPFUL SOULS, OR FREE LABOR?
Retirees Interested Members Students New Professionals WHO VOLUNTEERS?
Volunteer duties Supervision Special needs or education Operations and logistics Equipment and supplies Training requirements CONSIDERATIONS OF A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Be specific Match volunteer with interest Ensure importance of project Follow through VOLUNTEER DUTIES
Unique volunteers for unique projects Professional volunteers Integration Outsourcing SPECIAL SKILLS VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers take time Volunteers have questions Oversight Decision making Problem volunteers SUPERVISION
Size of volunteer program Physical space Security Time Management of Supervisor OPERATIONS/LOGISTICS
Computer hardware and software Tools Containers and Folders Budget EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
Broad Context Repository history, policies, and practices Ethics Basics of arrangement and description Specific Project Protocols Hands on Required TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Decrease in backlog Increased access to collections Higher level of institutional control Awareness of best practices Increased outreach opportunities OUTCOMES - REPOSITORY
Personal growth and development Social opportunity and community Advancing institutional goals Education Practical experience Career enhancement OUTCOMES - VOLUNTEERS
The most successful volunteer program is one that simultaneously advances the goals of the repository and satisfies the needs of the volunteers in the program. When both are achieved, everyone wins. SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM