Volunteers
23.1 VOLUNTEERS
The library encourages individuals and groups to volunteer their time and effort in the service of the library.
The volunteer coordinator is responsible for all volunteer applications, communication, and training of volunteers. Training will be conducted prior to any volunteer assignment in the area in which they are assigned. Library volunteers are not allowed access to library records and should not be given assignments that jeopardize patron confidentiality. All volunteers must abide by rules and regulations set forth in the “City of Canby Volunteer Handbook”.
In appreciation of volunteer services, the library provides appropriate recognition to those individuals.
23.1.1 VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS
All volunteers are required to complete an online application. This application is used to determine the individual’s eligibility for volunteer service, identify skills that the library may use (or skills the volunteer may wish to offer or develop), indicate the length of service that is anticipated, and indicate the reasons that such service is being provided. The library will keep all applicant information confidential to the extent allowed by the Oregon Public Records laws.
23.1.2 AGE
The minimum age for volunteers is 15. Volunteers under the age of 18 are not eligible for volunteer service unless the application is signed and approved by a parent or legal guardian.
23.1.3 BACKGROUND CHECKS
Background checks are required for library volunteers 15 years of age or older if the applicant will be working with a vulnerable population (children or the elderly) or have access to confidential patron information. The parent or legal guardian, and the applicant, is required to sign a release form for applicants ages 15-17 before the city can proceed with a background check. The Library reserves the right to discontinue service based on the results of a background check.
23.1.4 RELATIVES OF EMPLOYEES
Family members of employees (who meet all qualifications) may volunteer for the library. Family members will be treated the same as any volunteer with all the same privileges and benefits. Employees may not supervise family members who are volunteers.
23.1.5 COMMUNITY SERVICE
Individual volunteers who are completing required service hours for a community or school organization are welcome at the library. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to keep track of any required paperwork. Reasonable time should be allowed for library staff to complete required paperwork. The library does not accept volunteers who are completing court ordered community service hours.
23.1.6 COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUPS
The library welcomes the volunteer efforts of community service groups completing special projects for the library or providing specialized services. Approval of such group activities requires that one adult be designated as the group’s representative to the library. The group leader will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the individual members of the group, making contact with library staff as appropriate, and monitoring the behavior of the group in the performance of its tasks.
Groups that wish to provide a service for the library should provide a written explanation of the activity to be performed, the extent of the services that will be provided, and an indication of the length of time this service will be provided. The library cannot guarantee that the results of a special project will be maintained as an ongoing activity of its staff members.
23.1.7 LIBRARY SPONSORED GROUPS
The library may occasionally coordinate the activities of a group of volunteers in a specified project or series of projects. In such cases, the library will provide supervision for the activities of the group.
