Library Volunteer
Insider Info
Think library volunteers just shelve books and glue covers back on? Think
again!
Students at Riverdale School in Portland, Oregon built an award-winning
website for their school library. With the guidance of their librarian, they
published a number of websites. This unique project shows that libraries aren't
just places to store the past. They're launching pads to the future!
So, who is a typical library volunteer? Students can usually start volunteering
in senior elementary or junior high school. If you have a spare period or
time after class, you can help. Besides having a strong community spirit and
good communication skills, organization is also important. A love of books
doesn't hurt either.
So you've taken the plunge. You're now a library technician, and you're
waiting for your first assignment. What do you do?
Depending on the size of your school, you can expect to shelve books and
card them. If your library is computerized, you can scan them or enter data
on a computer. You may also deliver and pick up books from classes and offices,
make minor repairs and talk to busy students and staff.
If you're volunteering at your community library, expect to talk to all
sorts of people. Whether library patrons are looking for a picture of a Guatemalan
tree frog or yesterday's newspaper (for that apple cobbler recipe), you can
refer them to the right person.
At one county library, volunteer hours alone add up to more than 20 full-time
staff members!
Jennifer Stewart is a high school junior and a library volunteer. "I really
enjoyed working with the staff and learning library procedures, especially
learning how to shelve the books," she says.
Stewart's love of books and reading prompted her teacher to look for a
library internship for her.
At the Seattle Public Library, sophomore Nathan Sidles is serious about
getting a jump on graduation. He's starting on his community service credits
now. Volunteering after school and during off-hours, he accumulates credits
toward his graduation. That's a nice bonus, considering his coordinator usually
leaves snacks for him.
Nathan's spin on things? "I feel that volunteering is doing civic good,"
he says. "I needed something to do after school, and working at the library
is the most worthy cause within walking distance."
How to Get Involved
Talk to the librarian at your school about volunteer positions.
Contact your local public library, and ask about volunteer opportunities.
Be sure to check out the library's website -- many libraries provide online
applications.
Associations
American Library Association
Internet
:
http://www.ala.org/
Links
Find a Library
Search for a public library near you, and ask about volunteer
opportunities
ilovelibraries.org
Check out the Booklovers section and the Ask a Librarian FAQs
LibraryCareers.org
Learn more about careers in libraries
Idealist.org
Find various volunteer opportunities across the United States
Volunteer Match
Find volunteer listings in your area
Back to Career Cluster