505. Volunteer Policy

505.1	Purpose The Iowa City Public Library welcomes volunteer workers from the community in order to: Implement programs and services that further its goals and objectives at a level not funded in the regular budget. Establish a pool of volunteer workers to assist with large projects that require above-normal staffing, to be on-call for tasks occurring on an intermittent basis, or to provide regular on-going assistance. Create a strong link with the community by developing a group of citizens who, through their volunteer work, become knowledgeable about the Library's services and needs. Provide meaningful work experiences for special groups, such as community service clients, personal development classes, special needs populations, and others, as staffing permits and suitable jobs are available.
505.2	Recruitment for volunteer positions, applicant screening, coordination of applications, and placement will be the responsibility of Adult Services. Placement, training, and supervision of applicants in grades 3-6 will be administered by the Children's Services department. Supervision, training, and evaluation of individuals beyond sixth grade will be the responsibility of the department where the volunteer works.
505.3	General employment practices will be applied in the recruitment and filling of all volunteer positions.
	505.31	A current job description will be maintained for each volunteer job.
	505.32	Approved applicants will be placed in available positions based on their interests, availability, and skills. Placement of an applicant may not always be possible.
	505.33	Volunteers will work under the supervision of paid Library staff.
	505.34	Volunteers will observe regular work rules while engaged in work for the Library.
	505.35	The Library staff reserves the right to terminate a volunteer of the volunteer's performance does not meet the standards for the job in which they have been placed.
505.4	Volunteers will be used to augment basic services but will not be used to replace paid Library staff positions.
505.5	Each year the Library will recognize volunteers for their service during the previous year.
505.6	Volunteers may request reimbursement for transportation expenses related to time spent volunteering at the Library. Reimbursable expenses are parking meter and ramp tolls and bus fees.

Adopted - 02/22/79
Revised - 03/27/80
Revised - 09/30/82
Revised - 11/17/83
Revised - 03/22/84
Revised - 01/22/87
Revised - 12/14/89
Revised - 06/27/93
Revised - 02/27/97
Revised - 02/24/00
Reviewed - 11/21/02
Revised - 11/17/05