Volunteer workers in libraries

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) recognises that library services can be enhanced by well supported volunteers, and providing volunteers with meaningful community roles is a legitimate function of a public library service.
 
Use of volunteers in library and information services for specific purposes is acceptable but must never compromise the quality of service provision, nor replace paid employment in any way.

National Library and Information Technicians' Symposium, 13-15 November 2019 Melbourne: Discover, Diversify, Dive In
 
This presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanied the session on the pros and cons of using volunteers in a school library.

ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 9 (NLS9), 5-7 July 2019 Adelaide: collaborate deviate innovate
 
Recording (MP4 audiovisual) of lightning talk on a new volunteer Greeters Program, launched in 2018, which has transformed the State Library of Victoria visitor experience and is making a significant contribution to strategic goals of removing barriers, being open and inviting and placing people at the heart of everything we do. The Greeters Program consciously aimed to recruit volunteers that mirror the demographics of visitors to the library. 

ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 9 (NLS9), 5-7 July 2019 Adelaide: collaborate deviate innovate
 
This presentation (PowerPoint slides) supported the lightning talk on a new volunteer Greeters Program, launched in 2018, which has transformed the State Library of Victoria visitor experience and is making a significant contribution to strategic goals of removing barriers, being open and inviting and placing people at the heart of everything we do. The Greeters Program consciously aimed to recruit volunteers that mirror the demographics of visitors to the library. 

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanies the paper which demonstrates how the 'Get Involved' program has successfully implemented the key focus areas of the Australian Government's National volunteering Strategy (2011) to better meet the needs of today's volunteers and library staff, align with contemporary library practice, and bring enhanced and expanded library services to the community.
 

National 2016 Conference, 29 August-2 September 2016 Adelaide: Engage Create Lead
 
This conference paper demonstrates how the 'Get Involved' program has successfully implemented the key focus areas of the Australian Government's National volunteering Strategy (2011) to better meet the needs of today's volunteers and library staff, align with contemporary library practice, and bring enhanced and expanded library services to the community.