Apologies for Cross-posting
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PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

USE OF VOLUNTEERS IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The Library Association has commissioned David Haynes Associates and
Information Management Associates to investigate the management and use of
volunteers in public libraries.  The outcomes of the research will inform
The Library Association's development of a policy on the acceptable use of
volunteers within public library services

The objectives of the research are to:
v Determine the extent of use of volunteers in public library services
v Identify factors to be taken into account when considering what
constitutes "acceptable" use of volunteers and their respective roles and
responsibility of paid staff at all levels as well as those of the
volunteers
v Identify best practice in the use and management of volunteers
v Explore the industrial relations issues
v Prepare recommendations for The Library Association's policy on the
acceptable use of volunteers within public library services and how this
should be promoted

Shelagh Levett, Chair of the Steering Group and a member of the Public
Libraries Committee believes that "This research is timely given the
Government's agenda on Social Inclusion and Best Value.  Debate about the
role of volunteers has been long and a way forward, clarifying the many
issues around this often emotive subject, is needed.  The research will
provide the evidence and examples of best practice to determine appropriate
policy."

The project team will explore the extent to which volunteers are being used
and the current practices and policies of public libraries.  The research
will examine the relationships between library authorities, their staff and
the use of volunteers and highlight examples of good practice.  It will
determine how volunteers are used, the skills needed by volunteers to
undertake specific tasks, and the management issues surrounding the use of
volunteers.

The project team will also be consulting key organisations within the
voluntary sector, trade unions and other stakeholders. 

If you are interested in being consulted during this study, or have any
views on the use of volunteers (especially in public libraries), please
contact the project team at:

David Haynes Associates
Signet House
49-51 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JP

Tel: 020 7242 4849
Fax: 020 7242 4858
Email: [log in to unmask]

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NOTE:

1. CPI has been commissioned by the Library & Information Commission (LIC)
to examine the use of volunteers in UK library and information services. 
This will be a cross-sectoral study involving a wide ranging examination of
present and proposed practice in all types of library and information
services to review policy statements, identify the contribution made by
volunteers and evaluate management and training issues.  It will relate
identified 'good practice' in libraries to similar in the museums and
archives sector.
2. DHA and CPI will be working in close co-operation on the two projects.


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