Job Description for a Library Volunteer Manager

If you love books and are good with people, library volunteer management may be right for you.

A library volunteer manager has the responsibility of overseeing the work of volunteer workers. To manage volunteers effectively, you must have strong leadership skills, as well as the ability and desire to work with people from a variety of backgrounds. Knowledge of the library’s work and programs is essential.

Significance

Serving community members--especially students--is the primary goal of library employees.

Libraries are essential components of the educational system. However, like many state and local agencies, libraries often lack the funding required to remain effective. One way to offset this deficit is to recruit volunteers to do work in the library. Whether their tasks are related to their individual interests—such as having a kindergarten teacher lead weekly story time—or more general in nature (administration, facilities), the value that volunteers offer helps enhance the library and opportunities for patrons.

Job Duties

Knowing the way libraries work is important for volunteer managers.

Volunteer managers develop and implement programs that are staffed by volunteers. Managers work with librarians and administrators to develop tasks lists and projects, then recruit, supervise, reward and maintain good relationships with volunteers. Administrative work is also required, such as keeping complete records of volunteers and their interests, as well as accurate reports of the time they volunteer.

Qualifications

Library volunteer management is a good choice if you are considering becoming a librarian.

Library volunteer managers do not need to be trained as librarians, though a thorough understanding of how libraries work and are organized is essential. Generally, volunteer managers have experience performing the work they are recruiting others to do. In a library setting, this work includes re-shelving books, staffing the circulation desk and participating in or leading reading programs.

Interpersonal Skills

Working with a diverse group of people requires good interpersonal skills.

The most important skill for a library volunteer manager is the ability to be open and engaging. Recruiting volunteers means talking to new people, sometimes as part of a large group. You must be persuasive and project enthusiasm for the work.

Interpersonal skills are also essential for the day-to-day management of volunteers and schedules. Communicating effectively about priorities and work methods is important to maintaining the integrity of the library and the volunteer experience. As the link between volunteers and library staff and patrons, you must serve all groups equally.

Benefits

Working in a library is a great job for book lovers.

Jobs in library volunteer management may offer attractive benefits such as generous retirement plans, flexible work schedules and comfortable working environments. Choosing this career is a good way to combine a love of reading with professional training and experience in management. It is also an excellent position for anyone considering future work as a librarian.

References

• North Country Library System: Getting, Training, and Keeping Volunteers In the Library
• Tigard: Library Volunteer Coordinator