Supervising Library Volunteers: Webinar (07/26/18)

A few decades ago, the nonprofit community came to a consensus regarding volunteers: They need to be treated as employees. Most libraries never got the message. As a consequence, many of the problems regarding supervising library volunteers are rooted in mistaken beliefs, including that volunteers “can’t be fired”. Instead, learn to apply the same policies to recruiting, hiring, and evaluating volunteers as you do to paid employees.

Topics include job descriptions; recruitment procedures; job expectations; what volunteers want; special cases such as working with teenagers, Friends groups, “inherited” problems, and special events volunteers from other organizations; surviving the bridge period between the old and new ways; and the issue of supervising part-timers.

Participants will:

• Learn what it means to take library volunteers seriously.
• Evaluate and update their library’s current practices.
• Develop written expectations for volunteer productivity and workplace relationships.

Virtual Trainer: Pat Wagner

Pat Wagner is a trainer and consultant with 40 years of experience working with libraries of all shapes and sizes. She has been a frequent visitor to Florida libraries and systems and was a presenter for several years with the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute (SSLLI). She is known for her good-humored and practical programs.

This is an online class. Access information will be emailed one week ahead.

Cost: NEFLIN classes are free of charge for Florida library staff. Registration is required for all classes and NEFLIN members get priority.