Library Volunteers Welcome!

This practical guide offers library professionals a comprehensive toolkit for building and maintaining an effective volunteer program, drawing from the collective wisdom of thirty contributors across the library field. The essays provide actionable strategies for the entire volunteer lifecycle, from targeted recruitment and skills-based placement to motivation and retention. It tackles the core challenges of volunteer management head-on, offering real-world projects and proven best practices to transform a volunteer program from a staffing necessity into a strategic asset.

What sets this resource apart is the diversity of its voices, which include state association directors, outreach coordinators, and board members, ensuring the advice is grounded in a wide range of operational realities. Library administrators and managers will find its direct, experience-based approach immediately applicable, offering fresh solutions to the perennial problem of cultivating a dedicated and skilled volunteer workforce. This is an essential read for any professional aiming to harness the full potential of their community's goodwill.