The best practices to used to assist in volunteer efforts:

• Tasks are coordinated and trained by specific staffers.
• Children's staff make in a point to be warm and welcoming of volunteers.
• Provide assistance and/or guidance for volunteers as needed.
• Thank volunteers throughout the year by giving them free rental cards, candy and other tokens of our appreciation.
• Have volunteers help with school age programming in the summer.
• Recruit volunteers for the busier times of the year (i.e. Fall Festival, Summer Reading Kick-off, etc.).
• Empower volunteers to try new ideas, such as creating displays, if they are interested.
• Actively listen to volunteer ideas and follow through if applicable.
• Respond to volunteer applications, either in person or via email, as soon as they are received.
• Interview and train volunteers at the time they apply.

• Designate a staff member to be volunteer coordinator for the department (or the building if desired) to train and keep track of the reports and time sheets
• Changed the "volunteers shelve" attitude to "volunteers are here to assist us in our duties" attitude so that volunteers are exposed to various work activities.
• Each positive volunteer experience contributes to the relaxing of the us versus them attitude.  
• Make nametags for volunteers to wear;  it makes them feel they are a part of the
• Plan different tasks besides shelving for volunteers to do when possible.
• Have a list of volunteer tasks and a volunteer handbook to help define the role of the volunteer.
• Keep a volunteer board that tracks volunteer time and also notes when they are unable to come.
• Pair volunteers with seasoned staff during initial training.
• Treat volunteers like they are staff members.
• Throw an annual appreciation event for teen volunteers.
• Take the time to introduce the volunteer to all staff.
• Post photos and brief biographies of summer teen volunteers in staff lounge.
• Each staff member works with the volunteers in that department.
• Encourage volunteers to assist in programs.
• Teen volunteers create signage and displays in Young Adult area to make it more teen friendly.
• Pull materials, provide instruction and return materials used by a special needs volunteer.
• Long-term volunteers in the circulation department are treated to an annual luncheon.
• Train and schedule volunteers to assist with summer reading programs and prize administration.