Volunteers
Volunteers
Authorized by: HCML Board of Trustees Effective Date: November 17, 2005
Relevant Forms: Revised Date: July 28, 2022
Horry County Volunteer Application
Background Release and Authorization Waiver
The Library welcomes volunteers to create opportunities for individuals to perform a valuable service for the community; to serve as a method for residents to become familiar with the Library; and to supplement the efforts of paid Library staff.
A volunteer is a person who performs tasks for the Library without wages, benefits, or expectation of compensation of any kind.
Volunteers do not replace paid staff, but enhance and extend their services. They are not considered employees of the Library. Volunteers shall not perform any task or duty for which a license or a certification is required if the volunteer does not possess such license or certification.
Every effort will be made to match volunteer ability to the opportunity available. However, the Library’s overall mission must always take precedence and opportunity for volunteer involvement may be restricted. Opportunities for volunteer placement are identified by Library Managers. Volunteers will be accepted and recruited based on their suitability to perform a task on behalf of the Library. Volunteers agree that the Library may at any time, for whatever reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the Library or make changes to the nature of their volunteer assignment.
The minimum age requirement for volunteers is 16.
The screening process for accepting a volunteer will include a Horry County Volunteer Application, a Background Release and Authorization Waiver, an interview, clear work expectations, orientation, and training.
Each volunteer shall have a specific paid staff member to whom he or she reports who will be responsible for day to day consultation, support, and direction. The volunteer shall perform their duties in the presence of at least one paid staff member.
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information which they may be exposed to while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves staff, volunteers, patrons, or other persons, or involves the overall business of the Library. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in immediate termination of the volunteer.
As representatives of the Library, volunteers are responsible for presenting a good image to the community. Volunteers shall dress appropriately for the conditions and performance of their duties. Volunteers will wear their volunteer identification while engaged in Library business.
Volunteers should not participate in any action or statement which might affect or obligate the Library. These actions may include, but are not limited to, public statements to the press, lobbying efforts with other organizations, or any agreements involving contractual or financial obligations.
The Library will, upon request from the volunteer, provide a letter confirming the volunteer’s contribution when appropriate. In the event of an opening for a paid position within the Library, volunteers who apply for the position shall be treated and evaluated on the same basis as all other external applicants.
Volunteers who do not adhere to the policies and procedures of the Library or who fail to satisfactorily meet the expectations of their volunteer assignment are subject to dismissal.
Grounds for immediate dismissal may include, but are not limited, to gross misconduct or insubordination; being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing volunteer assignment; theft of property or misuse of Library funds, equipment, or materials; lies or falsification of records; illegal, violent, or unsafe acts; abuse or mistreatment of Library patrons or staff; failure to abide by Library policy or procedure; failure to meet physical or mental standards of performance; and unwillingness or inability to support and further the mission of the organization and/or the objectives of the program.
All volunteer personal information is collected for internal purposes only. Volunteer records may include application form, background check, record of interview, references, and/or records of warnings and disciplinary action. Inactive files will be maintained for a minimum of 3 years.
The Library Director is responsible for the establishment and administration of this policy.