If only it were that easy John, many volunteers are being asked to run libraries and to take on duties and tasks that should be done by paid library staff, this, redundancies and the introduction of self-service are the main reasons for the hollowing out of the service up and down the country! Yes if they were only supporting and assisting on short term projects and activities then fine!
Alan Wylie
Islington
-----Original Message-----
From: John Lake [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 14 March 2012 10:56
To: Wylie, Alan; Lis-Pub-Libs
Subject: RE: How Successfully is your Volunteer Programme Structured and Managed?
Alan, all
I understand the sensitivity over the issue of using volunteers in the provision of public services but let's not forget that this is not a new concept, volunteers have assisted libraries (and many other cultural institutions as has been noted in recent emails on this listserve) to provide added value to public services for many years.
As an example, I worked in East Sussex in the 1970's and 80's, and we relied on the WRVS and local volunteers to provide a housebound (home delivery) service. This was quality controlled and all volunteers were vetted but the service to a significant elderly population could not have been provided otherwise.
More recently in the City of London, at the Barbican Library I helped establish an active "Friends of the Library" who assisted with events and marketing the service very effectively. The point surely must be about terms of engagement so that value is added but the contribution made by paid staff is not undermined or eroded.
It's a difficult balance, in these difficult times, but not a reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater?
John Lake
> Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:28:05 +0000
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: How Successfully is your Volunteer Programme Structured and Managed?
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Interesting to note that the Team London libraries programme has the support of the Association of London Chief Librarians and the London Chief Culture and Leisure Officers Association!
>
> Alan Wylie
> Reference Librarian
> Islington
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stephen Cook
> Sent: 14 March 2012 10:17
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: How Successfully is your Volunteer Programme Structured and Managed?
>
> I agree Alan.
> Maybe CILIP should invite Boris to Ridgmount Street to explain how he can justify spending council tax on undermining a prime service to the community?
> Has he got a mandate to use this money in this way to?
>
> Stephen Cook
> Assistant Librarian: Systems & Technical Services Knowledge Management
> Team Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
> 27 Sussex Place, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RG.
> t: +44 (0)20 7772 6263
> f: +44 (0)20 7262 8331
> e: [log in to unmask]
> w: www.rcog.org.uk
> tw: http://twitter.com/#!/RCObsGyn
>
> RCOG - Bringing to life the best in women's health care Registered
> Charity Number 213280
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Wylie, Alan
> Sent: 14 March 2012 09:57
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: How Successfully is your Volunteer Programme Structured and Managed?
>
> Team London are recruiting 2,000 volunteers to work in libraries across the capital, Merton already have 370 see http://www.merton.gov.uk/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details.htm?id=2672 and Hackney have a libraries volunteer co-ordinator, the isle of wight claim their so called 'community' libraries are not part of their statutory provison, this is not supporting or assisting paid staff it's a co-ordinated attack on the profession and service.
>
> Alan Wylie
> Librarian
> Islington
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Diana Nutting
> Sent: 13 March 2012 15:42
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: How Successfully is your Volunteer Programme Structured and Managed?
>
> This is as damaging to professional librarianship as it was last week. I'm gratified that this "sell out course still has sold out.
>
> From: Creating Capacity - Henrietta <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Tuesday, 13 March 2012, 14:49
> Subject: How Successfully is your Volunteer Programme Structured and Managed?
>
>
> Volunteering is an increasingly essential resource for public libraries. It is flexible in nature but needs as much management as any other resource. If you need help with this area of your work, whether you are a paid member of staff or a volunteer with responsibility for managing others, do join Creating Capacity on 21 March. Mark Restall our expert in all volunteering matters, is returning with our sell-out course Structuring and Managing a Volunteer Programme: An essential introduction to policy and practice.
>
> What will I learn?
> By joining this lively and interactive session you will:
> - Examine how volunteer management differs from the management of paid
> staff
> - Learn the hows and whys of writing a volunteer policy
> - Consider the practicalities such as expenses
> - Understand the role of appropriate supervision in a volunteering
> programme
>
> What do I do next?
> All Creating Capacity courses include a full day's training, all course materials, lunch and three months post course support from your expert trainer. A place costs £145 plus VAT. Don't forget you can book and pay for your course online at www.creatingcapacity.org or by calling 07985 659425.
>
> Have a look at the online calendar to find more out about any Creating Capacity courses. We're looking forward to seeing you this Spring.
>
> Best wishes,
> Henrietta
>
> Henrietta Hopkins
> Creating Capacity
> A social enterprise providing learning programmes to develop
> confidence and inspire now and for the future
>
>
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