I started my career path with volunteering and prior to this I've done quiet a bit of it. Starting with my library work experience, it was for a small public library, within a tight knit community, ideally I wanted experience in teaching, but was unable to locate any. So as a second choicei went to the library. The weeks it's self was great, I felt part of a team, expected nothing in return, worked hard and was helpful to as many people as possible. Looking back now, it changed my direction and provided me with a profession.
Prior to this I had volunteered at several playgroups and nurseries. None of which 10 years on where very memorable.
I suppose now I am the other side of the coin and had volunteers work for me, the benefits are save money, with no wages to pay. Potentially staff who are very interested in working in a library and keen to learn new skills. Having spoke. To others on LinkedIn about how to deal with volunteers, suggestions such as having an agreement written by HR so you can break the contract with them if needed. As with any member of staff they need to be kept busy and use there expertise to help develope an area of the library.
Disadvantages
Where do you draw the line, personally I don't believe they should be treated as staff, in terms of workload, as this can cause friction between paid and not paid staff. Also there is the possibility of them being disinterested in the role, especially if the volunteering has been forced, say for instance with for school. If the person is new to working in a library, they are likely to have no skills making the time expensive staff, which may not be suitable.
, link to debate on using students helpers in a library. Reliability versus skills set.
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