Libraries often use volunteers to help them expand their programming and services. Volunteer programs can be successful, but libraries also face pitfalls and barriers to success with volunteers.
Several of our members who, collectively, have been running volunteer programs for decades, will start the meeting with brief presentations about their experiences after which there will be time for discussion and sharing ideas. Some of the programs they run are quite large, and others are small and targeted to a specific purpose. We’ll hear from:
Jim Gandy, Librarian/Archivist at the New York State Military Museum, Saratoga Springs. Jim’s library has an extensive volunteer program, including a large number of people who work remotely.
Michele Giuffre, Technology Assistant, Bethlehem Public Library. Michele oversees the library’s Computer Partners program. Volunteers are trained by library staff to provide tutoring on using computers to adults.
Tori Russo, Public Services Librarian, Bethlehem Public Library. Tori manages the library’s large teen volunteer program. Teens in grades 6-12 provide a number of different services for the library.
Kathy Sheehan, Rensselaer County Historical Society Registrar, County & City of Troy Historian. Kathy has managed the Historical Society’s huge volunteer program for many years. Volunteer jobs range from in-depth, long-term positions to short term volunteering at a single event.