tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171714555376023488.post1725690387559214230..comments2020-01-29T22:50:53.396-08:00Comments on The Not So Shoeless, Librarian: The Library Volunteer MysteryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03541183116949305005noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171714555376023488.post-50894151169573205982012-06-19T15:23:31.110-07:002012-06-19T15:23:31.110-07:00Also, giving someone a "role" in organiz...Also, giving someone a "role" in organization versus a random volunteer will make that person want to stay. <br /><br />For instance, volunteers are often shifted around and given tasks no one wants to do. Thats how volunteers seem themselves (as being a volunteer at one point in life).<br /><br />But giving them a specific task, that they come in once a week, daily, or monthly for, shows that they have a responsibility, something they can look back and be proud on. As that intern (volunteer) grows and matures, offer them more roles and responsibilities. Let them improve and grow.PSChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15604127222614238172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3171714555376023488.post-86640641895493585132012-06-19T15:19:22.967-07:002012-06-19T15:19:22.967-07:00Not having tested this theory; but pretty sure it ...Not having tested this theory; but pretty sure it will work....<br /><br />Lets do some backing up. <br />Volunteers are usually three types of people.<br />1) Community Service (yay for credit hours)<br />2) Boredom (lets face it, some people do get bored)<br />3) Actual Devotion to the greater need of libraries (sadly not as popular of a group)<br /><br /><br />So, how can you get to the Third type of Volunteer? Lets roll back some more.<br /><br />I wanted to get some tech help over the summer since I will be swamped with presentations, meetings, working on a new big project, programming, and to much I would care to deal with; in addition completing daily functions and tasks that really, anyone can do.<br /><br />So I asked for volunteers. None. Zip. Notta. <br />I asked for Interns, I had to actually interview these people. (UnPaid).<br /><br />This leads me to Theory 1) Call them interns. Interns is a much better phrase than volunteer, plus you can spin it with:<br />1) Preparing for A Job<br />2) Awesome Resume Attachment<br />3) Work Experience<br /><br /><br />Now, the next step is to find things that people will be proud about or excited to do. Make things a challenge. So ask for an intern to <br />"Radically Re-Adjust Shelves to Make Looking for Books Easier"<br /><br />Catchy spot light header for someone who will essentially "reading shelves" (as my library calls it). <br /><br />Tech Support, at least in my opinion, is easy to find help. Find the kids or adults who like technology, but just aint up to par to have an IT Job. Offer them some classes (which I assume your library has already) and train them on basic things. Or purchase training software, then circulate that software. <br /><br /><br />The reason for the Carnival Success, is its fun! Kids (usually) love doing games and showing others they are in charge of said game. <br /><br />So what I suggest is not calling it something like "volunteer" as many children and some adults get turned off on. Volunteer comes with "community service" or "work that no one wants to do".<br /><br />Interns, on the other hand, sound like having a real job but not making money. Spin the fun of the internship first, before you throw in that its unpaid. <br /><br />Again, Challenges, are a big thing. Come up with Project Names, and ask for those interns. <br /><br />Hope this helps. <br /><br />-Brian Pichman<br />Twitter: bpichmanPSChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15604127222614238172noreply@blogger.com