Volunteer Orientation

 It provides opportunities for volunteers to actively participate in and make a meaningful contribution to the operations of the Library.  An opportunity to provide volunteers with a positive, pleasant experience.  It helps build public awareness of the services provided by Upper Moreland Free Public Library.  It helps develop closer ties to the community.  It increases the effectiveness of staff.

 Opportunity to get to know new people, and help others  An opportunity to share your skills  A way to keep busy and be involved  Potential credit for educational community service requirements and/or court ordered community service requirements.  Related volunteer experience for resumes and job applications  Potential reference letter for a job application  Volunteer recognition and appreciation  FUN AND EXCITEMENT

 Individuals and groups can both participate in volunteer projects at the library.  Volunteers must be at least 13 year old—but there is no upper limit!  The library generally seeks volunteers for specific positions which are listed on the library website.  Do you have a concept for a volunteer project that you don’t see listed? Get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator and share your ideas.

 Provide opportunities for volunteers to actively participate in and make a meaningful contribution to the operations of the Library.  Provide volunteers with a positive, pleasant experience.  Build public awareness of the services provided by Upper Moreland Free Public Library.  Develop closer ties to the community served.  Increase effectiveness of paid staff.

 An application MUST be filled out. There are two types of applications: Individual Volunteer Application and the Group Volunteer Application.  Applications can be obtained in-person at the UMFPL, or on our website  Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age to volunteer and those under 18 years of age MUST have parent or legal guardian signature on the Volunteer Agreement Form.  Please allow approximately two weeks for the review process once the Volunteer Coordinator receives the application.

 Volunteers are limited to work one weekly shift of no more than 3 hours; these hours may be extended with speical approval from the Volunteer Coordinator or Supervisor.  Each person will be required to meet with the Volunteer Coordinator (this meeting may take place via phone) before beginning volunteer service.  The Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Supervisors will determine placement, duties and schedule for the volunteer. If placed within UMFPL the Volunteer Coordinator will contact the volunteer regarding: duties, schedule set-up, orientation/training and any other pertinent information.

 The Volunteer Coordinator will keep original applications on file. If an applicant cannot be placed as a volunteer within UMFPL, the Volunteer Coordinator will notify the individual and keep the application on file for six months in case other opportunities arise.  Each volunteer will be oriented into UMFPL before volunteering. Orientations will be conducted face- to-face by the Volunteer Coordinator, Volunteer Supervisor and/or online through the UMFPL website.  Direct training in specific volunteer tasks will come from the designated Volunteer Supervisor. Volunteers should record time spent on training as part of their volunteer commitment.

 At the Beginning of each volunteer shift you must SIGN IN on the volunteer log and note your start time.  Please take one of the volunteer nametags and wear it during your shift.  Staff at the front desk will notify the Volunteer Supervisor for the day of your arrival. If you need instruction for the task you’re working on please wait at the front desk for the Supervisor.

 Take your lead from the staff at UMFPL and dress appropriately for the job you are doing. Casual clothing is fine, but we ask that your attire be neat and clean when on duty.  Please avoid personal telephone calls, visits, personal computer use or other interruptions while on duty.  Volunteers are not permitted in offices or “staff only” areas of libraries unless their assigned task requires it, or they are accompanied by a Supervisor.  At the end of the shift return your nametag and add your ending time to the volunteer log.

Cathy Assistant Director & Volunteer Coordinator Karen Circulation Manager Katie Head of Technical Services Margie Library Director

 Once you’ve arranged a work schedule, it is expected that you will arrive for your shifts. If you must miss a work session, please contact the library in advance or notify the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible.  Please leave valuables at home, in your car, or other secure place. The library cannot provide secure storage for your belongings.