1. Hunterdon County Historical Society BUILDING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM AT A SMALL REPOSITORY

2.  Backlog  Lack of access  Institutional Control  Small budgets  Low funding opportunities  Community interest WHY VOLUNTEERS?

3. 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?

4.  Retirees  Interested Members  Students  New Professionals WHO VOLUNTEERS?

5.  Volunteer duties  Supervision  Special needs or education  Operations and logistics  Equipment and supplies  Training requirements CONSIDERATIONS OF A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

6.  Be specific  Match volunteer with interest  Ensure importance of project  Follow through VOLUNTEER DUTIES

7.  Unique volunteers for unique projects  Professional volunteers  Integration  Outsourcing SPECIAL SKILLS VOLUNTEERS

8.  Volunteers take time  Volunteers have questions  Oversight  Decision making  Problem volunteers SUPERVISION

9.  Size of volunteer program  Physical space  Security  Time Management of Supervisor OPERATIONS/LOGISTICS

10.  Computer hardware and software  Tools  Containers and Folders  Budget EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

11.  Broad Context  Repository history, policies, and practices  Ethics  Basics of arrangement and description  Specific Project Protocols  Hands on Required TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

12.  Decrease in backlog  Increased access to collections  Higher level of institutional control  Awareness of best practices  Increased outreach opportunities OUTCOMES - REPOSITORY

13.  Personal growth and development  Social opportunity and community  Advancing institutional goals  Education  Practical experience  Career enhancement OUTCOMES - VOLUNTEERS

14. 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